Fewer than a tenth of people that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy are able to get them, states the WHO as it issues its initial advice on the medications.
Given over a billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is urging broader and more equitable availability to these injectable treatments.
According to estimates, more than two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"Our latest guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be treated with thorough and lifelong support," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are major hurdles to widespread access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing significant body mass, says the agency.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Despite the present most favorable case, the production of these medications might only reach approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, as stated by the health organization.
The guideline urges countries and companies to widen access, by approaches including licensing agreements.
A patent on semaglutide – the main ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several nations in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Drugs Operate
These medications imitate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and enhance satiety so users reduce food intake.
Patients typically start to lose weight after several weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Research suggests users may see weight return after a year of halting the drug, when their typical appetite come back.
Being overweight or obese increases your likelihood for experiencing health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.
Obesity affects individuals in countries worldwide and was linked to over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
