Fewer than 10% of patients who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy can access them, states the WHO as it issues its initial advice on the therapies.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable access to this class of drugs.
Per projections, over two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our latest guidance recognises that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be managed with comprehensive and ongoing treatment," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are significant barriers to broad access to the treatments that can help people shift significant weight, notes the agency.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Despite the current best projected scenario, the supply of GLP-1 therapies might only reach about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, according to the health organization.
The recommendation urges governments and firms to increase availability, by strategies like voluntary licensing.
The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the core component of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in a number of countries in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Work
The injections imitate a natural hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and enhance satiety so users reduce food intake.
Patients usually begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Evidence points to patients may regain a significant portion after a year of halting the treatment, because their typical appetite resume.
Being above a healthy weight elevates your likelihood for experiencing medical conditions, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Obesity impacts individuals in all nations and was associated with millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
