Fewer than 10% of individuals who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy can access them, caution the global health agency as it releases its initial recommendations on the medications.
Considering more than one billion people worldwide currently obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.
Based on projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidance affirms that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be treated with holistic and lifelong support," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are significant obstacles to broad availability to the treatments that can help people shift significant weight, explains the body.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Even in the present most optimistic case, the manufacturing of such drugs would only suffice for about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, per the health organization.
The advice encourages countries and companies to expand availability, via strategies including licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Work
The injections mimick a body's own hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and boost feelings of fullness so people consume fewer calories.
Patients typically begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Research points to users may see weight return within a year of discontinuing the medication, as their normal food cravings resume.
To be above a healthy weight elevates your likelihood for developing health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and some cancers.
Excess weight concerns people in countries worldwide and was associated with over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
