Less than one in 10 individuals eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy can access them, states the global health agency as it publishes its inaugural advice on the medications.
Considering over a billion individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is calling for increased and just availability to this class of drugs.
According to forecasts, over two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidelines recognises that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive and ongoing treatment," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are major hurdles to widespread access to the injections that can help people shift significant weight, explains the agency.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Despite the current most favorable scenario, the manufacturing of these medications would only suffice for about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, per the WHO.
The guideline encourages nations and manufacturers to widen access, by measures like voluntary licensing.
The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the core ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Injections Work
These medications mimick a natural hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and boost satiety so people consume fewer calories.
Individuals typically see weight reduction within a few weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Evidence points to patients may regain a significant portion within a year of discontinuing the medication, when their usual appetite return.
Being overweight or obese raises your likelihood for contracting medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.
Excess weight concerns people in all nations and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
