Under a tenth of individuals who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy have access to them, states the global health agency as it issues its initial recommendations on the medications.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.
According to estimates, over two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidance affirms that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be treated with comprehensive and ongoing care," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are significant hurdles to widespread availability to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing substantial weight, says the agency.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Despite the current best projected scenario, the supply of GLP-1 therapies might only reach approximately 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, per the health organization.
The guideline encourages nations and manufacturers to widen availability, through strategies like voluntary licensing.
A patent on a key compound – the primary component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several nations in 2026.
How Obesity Drugs Operate
The injections imitate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness so individuals consume fewer calories.
People usually see weight reduction within a few weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Research points to people may regain a significant portion within a year of halting the medication, as their normal hunger return.
Being overweight or obese raises your risk for experiencing diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and specific cancers.
Excess weight affects people in countries worldwide and was responsible for millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
