Less than a tenth of people who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy can access them, warns the global health agency as it releases its inaugural recommendations on the drugs.
Given more than one billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is advocating for increased and just access to these injectable treatments.
Per estimates, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidelines recognises that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong support," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are key hurdles to widespread availability to the jabs that can help people shift significant weight, notes the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Even in the present most optimistic outlook, the production of these medications could only cover approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, according to the health organization.
The guideline encourages governments and firms to increase access, by measures including licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the core component of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in a number of nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Function
These medications replicate a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and increase satiety so people consume fewer calories.
People usually start to lose weight after several weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Studies indicates users may regain a significant portion a year later of stopping the treatment, because their typical hunger come back.
To be overweight or obese elevates your risk for contracting medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Obesity impacts people in every country and was linked to millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
