Under a tenth of individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy can access them, caution the global health agency as it releases its inaugural advice on the medications.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide now obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to GLP-1 medication.
According to projections, more than two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidance recognises that obesity is a chronic disease that can be addressed with comprehensive and lifelong support," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are significant hurdles to broad availability to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing substantial weight, explains the body.
Skinny Jab Scarcity
Despite the present most optimistic outlook, the production of such drugs would only suffice for around 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, according to the health organization.
The recommendation encourages governments and firms to expand availability, via strategies like licensing agreements.
A patent on a key compound – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is set to lapse in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Function
GLP-1 drugs mimick a biological compound to slow digestion, curb appetite and increase satiety so people eat less.
Patients commonly see weight reduction in the initial weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Research suggests users may regain a significant portion a year later of discontinuing the medication, when their typical food cravings return.
To be carrying excess weight elevates your likelihood for developing health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some malignancies.
Excess weight affects individuals in every country and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
