Less than a tenth of patients that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy are able to get them, caution the global health agency as it issues its initial guidance on the medications.
Given over a billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on forecasts, over two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"The latest guidelines recognises that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with comprehensive and lifelong support," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are significant obstacles to broad access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing considerable weight, says the agency.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even under the current best projected outlook, the supply of such drugs might only reach about 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the WHO.
The guideline encourages governments and firms to expand availability, by measures like voluntary licensing.
A patent on semaglutide – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Injections Operate
GLP-1 drugs mimick a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and increase satiety so users reduce food intake.
People commonly begin shedding pounds after several weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Research points to people may put most of the weight back on after a year of stopping the medication, when their normal food cravings resume.
Being overweight or obese raises your chance for experiencing medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.
Excess weight concerns individuals in all nations and was responsible for over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
