Fewer than a tenth of individuals eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, caution the global health agency as it releases its first guidance on the therapies.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently obese, it is advocating for increased and just availability to this class of drugs.
Per estimates, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidance acknowledges that obesity is a long-term condition that can be managed with holistic and continuous care," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are significant barriers to broad availability to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, notes the organization.
Skinny Jab Scarcity
Despite the present most favorable scenario, the production of these medications might only reach about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the WHO.
The recommendation encourages governments and firms to expand availability, via measures like licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the primary ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Function
GLP-1 drugs mimick a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and increase satiety so individuals reduce food intake.
Individuals commonly begin shedding pounds after several weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Studies points to patients may regain a significant portion a year later of stopping the treatment, as their normal food cravings come back.
Being carrying excess weight raises your chance for contracting diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some malignancies.
Excess weight concerns people in countries worldwide and was linked to 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
