Less than 10% of patients that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy are able to get them, caution the WHO as it releases its initial advice on the medications.
With in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is advocating for broader and more equitable availability to these injectable treatments.
Per estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with thorough and continuous treatment," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are major obstacles to widespread access to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing substantial body mass, explains the body.
Skinny Jab Scarcity
Even in the current best projected case, the production of GLP-1 therapies could only cover about 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, according to the WHO.
The recommendation calls on countries and companies to widen availability, through measures such as licensing agreements.
A patent on semaglutide – the core ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is set to lapse in multiple nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Function
The injections mimick a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and boost feelings of fullness so people eat less.
Individuals commonly see weight reduction within a few weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Research indicates people may see weight return after a year of discontinuing the medication, as their typical appetite return.
To be above a healthy weight increases your likelihood for experiencing health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some cancers.
Obesity impacts individuals in all nations and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
