Less than a tenth of people that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy can access them, warns the global health agency as it releases its inaugural recommendations on the medications.
With over a billion people worldwide now obese, it is advocating for increased and just access to this class of drugs.
Based on forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The latest guidance affirms that obesity is a chronic disease that can be addressed with comprehensive and lifelong care," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are key hurdles to broad access to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing significant body mass, explains the agency.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Even in the present most favorable case, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies might only reach approximately 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, according to the health organization.
The advice calls on nations and manufacturers to increase access, through measures like voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the core ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is set to lapse in several countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Function
GLP-1 drugs replicate a natural hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and increase the sense of being full so people reduce food intake.
Patients commonly see weight reduction in the initial weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Studies indicates people may see weight return within a year of discontinuing the drug, because their normal appetite resume.
To be overweight or obese elevates your chance for developing health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some malignancies.
Obesity concerns individuals in all nations and was associated with millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
