Fewer than 10% of individuals who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy are able to get them, states the World Health Organization as it releases its initial guidance on the therapies.
Given more than one billion individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is advocating for broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidance affirms that obesity is a chronic disease that can be managed with comprehensive and ongoing care," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are significant obstacles to broad access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing significant body mass, explains the body.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Even under the current most optimistic scenario, the supply of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for about 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, per the WHO.
The recommendation encourages countries and companies to increase availability, by measures such as patent sharing.
The intellectual property rights on a key compound – the main component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Work
These medications mimick a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and increase the sense of being full so people eat less.
People usually begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Studies points to users may see weight return a year later of discontinuing the treatment, when their usual appetite resume.
Being overweight or obese raises your chance for developing medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain cancers.
Excess weight affects individuals in every country and was associated with millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
