Less than a tenth of individuals who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy are able to get them, caution the global health agency as it publishes its initial guidance on the therapies.
Given more than one billion people worldwide now living with obesity, it is urging increased and just availability to GLP-1 medication.
Per forecasts, over two billion could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidelines affirms that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with holistic and ongoing treatment," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are major barriers to universal access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing substantial body mass, says the body.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Despite the current most favorable outlook, the production of such drugs could only cover approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, per the WHO.
The advice calls on governments and firms to widen access, by strategies including voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the main ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is set to lapse in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Function
The injections replicate a biological compound to slow digestion, curb appetite and boost the sense of being full so people eat less.
People typically start to lose weight within a few weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Studies suggests users may regain a significant portion a year later of halting the medication, because their typical appetite resume.
Being above a healthy weight increases your risk for contracting diseases, like diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain cancers.
Obesity impacts people in all nations and was linked to millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
