Less than a tenth of people who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, states the global health agency as it publishes its inaugural recommendations on the therapies.
Given more than one billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.
Based on forecasts, more than two billion will be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The new guidance affirms that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be managed with thorough and continuous support," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are key obstacles to widespread access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing considerable weight, explains the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Despite the current most favorable case, the supply of GLP-1 therapies might only reach approximately 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the WHO.
The guideline calls on nations and manufacturers to expand access, through measures including voluntary licensing.
A patent on the active ingredient – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Operate
The injections imitate a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and enhance the sense of being full so individuals consume fewer calories.
Individuals usually begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Evidence points to users may regain a significant portion after a year of halting the drug, because their usual hunger return.
Being above a healthy weight raises your likelihood for contracting medical conditions, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight affects individuals in every country and was linked to over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
