Fewer than a tenth of people eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy have access to them, caution the global health agency as it issues its first recommendations on the medications.
Given more than one billion individuals worldwide now living with obesity, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.
Based on estimates, over two billion could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidance recognises that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be managed with thorough and lifelong treatment," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are key barriers to universal access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing considerable weight, explains the organization.
Skinny Jab Scarcity
Despite the present most favorable outlook, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies could only cover approximately 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, per the WHO.
The advice urges nations and manufacturers to widen availability, via approaches such as licensing agreements.
A patent on a key compound – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
How Obesity Drugs Function
These medications replicate a natural hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and increase feelings of fullness so individuals consume fewer calories.
Patients commonly begin shedding pounds after several weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Research suggests people may regain a significant portion a year later of halting the treatment, when their normal food cravings resume.
Being above a healthy weight elevates your risk for contracting health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain cancers.
Excess weight impacts individuals in all nations and was responsible for over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
