Under 10% of individuals eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy can access them, states the World Health Organization as it releases its initial advice on the therapies.
Given more than one billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is urging increased and just availability to this class of drugs.
Based on projections, over two billion could be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The new guidance affirms that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be managed with comprehensive and ongoing care," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are key obstacles to broad access to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, notes the agency.
Skinny Jab Scarcity
Despite the present most optimistic outlook, the production of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, as stated by the health organization.
The guideline calls on countries and companies to expand availability, via strategies like patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the core ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Operate
These medications mimick a natural hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and boost feelings of fullness so individuals reduce food intake.
Patients usually see weight reduction after several weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Studies suggests people may see weight return after a year of stopping the drug, as their normal hunger return.
Being above a healthy weight elevates your chance for contracting health problems, like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific malignancies.
Excess weight affects people in every country and was associated with millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
