Under a tenth of patients that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy can access them, caution the global health agency as it issues its first advice on the therapies.
Given over a billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging increased and just access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on forecasts, over two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The latest guidance recognises that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be addressed with comprehensive and ongoing care," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are significant obstacles to broad availability to the injections that can assist patients in reducing considerable weight, notes the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Despite the current best projected scenario, the production of GLP-1 therapies might only reach approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the WHO.
The recommendation urges nations and manufacturers to increase access, by measures including licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the primary component of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in a number of nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Work
GLP-1 drugs mimick a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and increase satiety so users consume fewer calories.
Patients commonly begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Studies indicates users may put most of the weight back on a year later of stopping the medication, as their usual food cravings resume.
Being carrying excess weight raises your chance for contracting health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Obesity impacts individuals in countries worldwide and was linked to over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
