Fewer than a tenth of patients that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy are able to get them, caution the global health agency as it issues its inaugural advice on the drugs.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently obese, it is advocating for broader and more equitable availability to this class of drugs.
According to projections, more than two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines affirms that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be managed with comprehensive and continuous support," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are significant obstacles to universal availability to the injections that can assist patients in reducing substantial body mass, notes the agency.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Despite the current best projected scenario, the production of GLP-1 therapies might only reach around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, per the health organization.
The guideline calls on nations and manufacturers to expand availability, via measures such as voluntary licensing.
A patent on a key compound – the primary component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Operate
These medications mimick a natural hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and enhance the sense of being full so users reduce food intake.
People commonly begin shedding pounds after several weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.
Research indicates people may regain a significant portion within a year of halting the drug, when their typical food cravings return.
To be above a healthy weight increases your risk for experiencing health problems, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some cancers.
Excess weight affects people in countries worldwide and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
