Less than 10% of patients eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy have access to them, states the World Health Organization as it publishes its initial advice on the medications.
With in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for more widespread and fairer access to this class of drugs.
According to projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines recognises that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with thorough and continuous care," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are significant barriers to universal availability to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing substantial body mass, explains the body.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even under the present best projected outlook, the supply of such drugs would only suffice for around 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, per the health organization.
The guideline urges countries and companies to expand availability, by measures including licensing agreements.
The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the primary component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Operate
GLP-1 drugs mimick a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and increase feelings of fullness so people eat less.
Patients usually begin shedding pounds after several weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Studies suggests patients may see weight return within a year of discontinuing the medication, because their usual appetite resume.
To be carrying excess weight increases your likelihood for experiencing health problems, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight affects people in every country and was associated with over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
