Under one in 10 individuals eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy have access to them, caution the WHO as it issues its first guidance on the drugs.
Given more than one billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is calling for increased and just access to this class of drugs.
Based on estimates, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"The latest guidelines affirms that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with comprehensive and ongoing support," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are significant hurdles to universal availability to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing considerable weight, notes the organization.
Skinny Jab Scarcity
Despite the current most favorable outlook, the supply of such drugs might only reach around 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, as stated by the WHO.
The guideline encourages governments and firms to increase access, via measures including licensing agreements.
A patent on semaglutide – the core component of a leading brand – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Work
The injections imitate a natural hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and increase feelings of fullness so users eat less.
Individuals typically begin shedding pounds after several weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Studies indicates users may put most of the weight back on a year later of stopping the treatment, as their typical appetite return.
Being carrying excess weight increases your likelihood for experiencing medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific cancers.
Obesity concerns people in every country and was linked to 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
