Less than a tenth of people who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy have access to them, states the global health agency as it releases its inaugural recommendations on the medications.
Considering over a billion individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is advocating for increased and just access to these injectable treatments.
According to forecasts, over two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidance recognises that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be managed with holistic and ongoing care," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are key hurdles to widespread access to the treatments that can help people shift substantial weight, explains the organization.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Despite the current most optimistic outlook, the supply of GLP-1 therapies might only reach around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, according to the health organization.
The recommendation encourages governments and firms to increase access, through strategies like patent sharing.
The intellectual property rights on a key compound – the core component of a leading brand – is due to expire in a number of nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Operate
GLP-1 drugs replicate a biological compound to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and increase satiety so users consume fewer calories.
Patients typically see weight reduction within a few weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Evidence points to people may regain a significant portion a year later of halting the treatment, because their normal hunger come back.
Being above a healthy weight elevates your risk for developing health problems, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and some malignancies.
Obesity concerns people in every country and was linked to 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
