Under a tenth of people that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy have access to them, caution the World Health Organization as it issues its inaugural advice on the drugs.
Given more than one billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on estimates, more than two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be addressed with comprehensive and lifelong support," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are key hurdles to broad availability to the injections that can help people shift substantial weight, says the organization.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Even in the current best projected outlook, the supply of such drugs could only cover around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, per the health organization.
The recommendation urges countries and companies to increase access, via approaches like licensing agreements.
The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the core component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Drugs Operate
The injections mimick a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and boost satiety so users eat less.
Individuals typically begin shedding pounds after several weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Research suggests users may put most of the weight back on within a year of halting the medication, because their usual appetite return.
Being overweight or obese elevates your chance for developing medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and specific malignancies.
Excess weight affects individuals in every country and was responsible for millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
