Fewer than a tenth of patients who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy are able to get them, warns the global health agency as it issues its initial guidance on the medications.
Given over a billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is calling for broader and more equitable availability to this class of drugs.
Based on estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The latest guidelines affirms that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with thorough and ongoing support," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are key barriers to broad access to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, explains the organization.
Skinny Jab Scarcity
Despite the current most optimistic outlook, the manufacturing of such drugs might only reach approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, per the WHO.
The guideline encourages governments and firms to expand availability, via strategies including licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the core ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Function
These medications replicate a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and enhance feelings of fullness so users reduce food intake.
Patients typically start to lose weight after several weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Research suggests people may put most of the weight back on within a year of discontinuing the treatment, when their normal appetite return.
To be carrying excess weight elevates your risk for contracting medical conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and some malignancies.
Excess weight concerns people in every country and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
