Under 10% of patients that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy can access them, caution the WHO as it releases its first recommendations on the therapies.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide now obese, it is urging increased and just availability to GLP-1 medication.
Per forecasts, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The latest guidance recognises that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with holistic and ongoing care," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are key barriers to universal access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing substantial weight, says the body.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Despite the current best projected case, the production of GLP-1 therapies could only cover approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the health organization.
The guideline calls on countries and companies to increase availability, via approaches like voluntary licensing.
The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the primary ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is set to lapse in a number of nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Work
The injections mimick a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and boost satiety so people reduce food intake.
Individuals typically begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Studies indicates users may regain a significant portion after a year of stopping the medication, because their usual appetite resume.
To be overweight or obese increases your chance for contracting diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and specific malignancies.
Obesity affects people in all nations and was linked to millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
