Under a tenth of individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, caution the global health agency as it issues its first advice on the drugs.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is calling for increased and just availability to this class of drugs.
Based on projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be managed with holistic and lifelong care," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are key hurdles to widespread access to the jabs that can help people shift significant body mass, notes the organization.
Skinny Jab Scarcity
Even under the current most optimistic outlook, the supply of these medications might only reach approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, per the health organization.
The guideline calls on nations and manufacturers to widen access, through measures like licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the primary component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is set to lapse in several countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Jabs Function
GLP-1 drugs mimick a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and enhance satiety so users eat less.
Patients typically begin shedding pounds after several weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Research points to people may see weight return after a year of halting the medication, when their typical appetite come back.
To be overweight or obese raises your chance for contracting health problems, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific cancers.
Excess weight impacts people in all nations and was responsible for 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
