Less than one in 10 people that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy have access to them, states the World Health Organization as it publishes its initial guidance on the medications.
Given over a billion individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging broader and more equitable availability to GLP-1 medication.
According to estimates, more than two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines recognises that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with comprehensive and ongoing support," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are significant barriers to widespread availability to the injections that can assist patients in reducing significant weight, says the body.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Despite the current most favorable case, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for about 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, according to the WHO.
The recommendation calls on countries and companies to expand availability, via strategies including voluntary licensing.
The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Work
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and enhance the sense of being full so users reduce food intake.
Patients commonly see weight reduction after several weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Studies suggests people may put most of the weight back on after a year of discontinuing the medication, when their usual food cravings come back.
To be carrying excess weight increases your chance for developing medical conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and specific malignancies.
Obesity concerns individuals in countries worldwide and was associated with over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
