Fewer than 10% of individuals who could benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy can access them, caution the World Health Organization as it releases its first advice on the drugs.
Considering over a billion people worldwide now living with obesity, it is calling for broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.
According to forecasts, over two billion will be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"The latest guidelines recognises that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be managed with holistic and continuous care," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are major obstacles to broad availability to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing substantial body mass, notes the body.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Even under the present best projected case, the manufacturing of these medications could only cover around 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, per the health organization.
The recommendation urges nations and manufacturers to expand access, by strategies such as licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the core component of a leading brand – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Drugs Function
GLP-1 drugs replicate a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and increase feelings of fullness so people eat less.
People commonly start to lose weight within a few weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Evidence indicates patients may see weight return within a year of halting the medication, when their typical appetite return.
To be carrying excess weight elevates your risk for experiencing diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific malignancies.
Excess weight impacts individuals in every country and was linked to millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
