Less than 10% of patients who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy are able to get them, caution the global health agency as it releases its initial recommendations on the drugs.
Given more than one billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer availability to this class of drugs.
Based on projections, over two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The latest guidelines affirms that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive and ongoing support," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are major barriers to broad availability to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing substantial body mass, says the organization.
Skinny Jab Scarcity
Even in the current most optimistic scenario, the production of GLP-1 therapies could only cover approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the health organization.
The advice urges nations and manufacturers to increase availability, through approaches including voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the primary component of a leading brand – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Operate
The injections imitate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and increase feelings of fullness so users reduce food intake.
Individuals usually see weight reduction within a few weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Research indicates users may regain a significant portion after a year of halting the medication, when their usual hunger return.
Being carrying excess weight elevates your likelihood for developing medical conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight affects people in countries worldwide and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
