Less than 10% of patients that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy have access to them, states the global health agency as it publishes its inaugural guidance on the therapies.
With over a billion individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is advocating for increased and just availability to this class of drugs.
Based on projections, more than two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"The latest guidance affirms that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be treated with thorough and continuous treatment," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are major barriers to widespread availability to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing considerable body mass, notes the organization.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Even under the current most favorable outlook, the production of these medications could only cover around 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, per the health organization.
The advice calls on governments and firms to expand access, by approaches such as patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is set to lapse in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Function
These medications mimick a body's own hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so people consume fewer calories.
People commonly see weight reduction in the initial weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Studies points to patients may see weight return after a year of discontinuing the medication, because their typical food cravings come back.
Being carrying excess weight increases your likelihood for experiencing diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and specific cancers.
Excess weight affects people in all nations and was linked to 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
