Under one in 10 people eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy have access to them, warns the global health agency as it publishes its first guidance on the drugs.
With in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is advocating for increased and just availability to GLP-1 medication.
Based on projections, more than two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidelines recognises that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive and continuous care," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are major barriers to widespread access to the injections that can help people shift substantial weight, notes the agency.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Even in the current most favorable scenario, the production of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the health organization.
The recommendation calls on countries and companies to expand access, by measures such as licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the primary component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Work
The injections imitate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and boost feelings of fullness so people consume fewer calories.
Patients usually see weight reduction within a few weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Evidence indicates people may see weight return within a year of halting the treatment, as their usual hunger return.
Being above a healthy weight elevates your risk for contracting medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Obesity impacts individuals in all nations and was associated with over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
