Less than 10% of patients that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, caution the global health agency as it releases its initial advice on the therapies.
Given over a billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is calling for increased and just access to these injectable treatments.
Based on estimates, over two billion could be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"Our latest guidance recognises that obesity is a chronic disease that can be managed with thorough and continuous support," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are major obstacles to universal access to the treatments that can help people shift significant weight, says the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Despite the present most favorable scenario, the production of such drugs would only suffice for around 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, per the WHO.
The recommendation calls on governments and firms to widen access, via approaches including patent sharing.
The intellectual property rights on a key compound – the primary component of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in multiple countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Jabs Operate
The injections mimick a natural hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and increase satiety so users eat less.
People typically see weight reduction after several weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Research points to people may put most of the weight back on after a year of discontinuing the medication, because their typical appetite resume.
Being above a healthy weight elevates your risk for developing medical conditions, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific malignancies.
Excess weight concerns individuals in countries worldwide and was linked to millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
