Less than one in 10 patients who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy are able to get them, caution the global health agency as it releases its first advice on the medications.
Considering more than one billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is calling for broader and more equitable availability to GLP-1 medication.
Based on estimates, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The latest guidelines affirms that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be managed with comprehensive and continuous treatment," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are major barriers to broad access to the jabs that can help people shift substantial weight, notes the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Despite the current best projected case, the production of such drugs might only reach about 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, according to the WHO.
The advice urges countries and companies to widen availability, by approaches including patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the core ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in a number of nations in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Work
These medications replicate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and increase feelings of fullness so individuals consume fewer calories.
Individuals typically see weight reduction within a few weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Evidence points to users may regain a significant portion a year later of discontinuing the medication, because their usual appetite resume.
Being overweight or obese increases your risk for contracting health problems, like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific malignancies.
Excess weight impacts individuals in all nations and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
