Less than one in 10 individuals who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy are able to get them, warns the global health agency as it releases its initial recommendations on the medications.
Considering more than one billion individuals worldwide now living with obesity, it is calling for broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on projections, over two billion could be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidelines recognises that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be managed with thorough and ongoing support," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are major barriers to widespread access to the jabs that can help people shift significant weight, explains the agency.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even under the current most favorable case, the production of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, per the WHO.
The advice urges countries and companies to increase availability, by strategies such as licensing agreements.
The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in several nations in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Jabs Operate
GLP-1 drugs mimick a biological compound to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and enhance satiety so users eat less.
Patients usually begin shedding pounds after several weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Research suggests patients may regain a significant portion a year later of discontinuing the drug, because their typical appetite come back.
Being overweight or obese raises your risk for developing health problems, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and specific cancers.
Obesity impacts individuals in every country and was linked to over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
