Under 10% of people that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy have access to them, states the global health agency as it publishes its first advice on the medications.
Given over a billion people worldwide currently obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer availability to these injectable treatments.
Per estimates, more than two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The latest guidelines recognises that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be treated with holistic and continuous treatment," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are key barriers to universal availability to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing considerable weight, says the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Even in the current most optimistic outlook, the supply of these medications might only reach about 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, per the WHO.
The advice calls on countries and companies to expand access, via approaches including licensing agreements.
A patent on the active ingredient – the primary component of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.
How Obesity Drugs Work
GLP-1 drugs replicate a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and increase feelings of fullness so users eat less.
People typically begin shedding pounds after several weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Studies indicates people may see weight return a year later of halting the drug, as their usual appetite come back.
Being above a healthy weight raises your likelihood for developing medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific cancers.
Excess weight concerns people in every country and was responsible for millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
