Fewer than 10% of people eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy are able to get them, warns the WHO as it publishes its initial advice on the therapies.
With in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to this class of drugs.
According to forecasts, over two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our latest guidelines affirms that obesity is a long-term condition that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong care," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are key barriers to broad availability to the treatments that can help people shift significant body mass, says the organization.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Even in the current best projected case, the supply of these medications would only suffice for about 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, according to the health organization.
The guideline encourages countries and companies to widen availability, by approaches like voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the main ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Drugs Work
The injections replicate a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and increase satiety so users consume fewer calories.
Individuals commonly begin shedding pounds after several weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.
Research suggests users may regain a significant portion within a year of stopping the medication, when their normal food cravings come back.
Being above a healthy weight raises your chance for developing medical conditions, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.
Excess weight concerns people in every country and was responsible for millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
