Less than one in 10 patients that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy can access them, states the global health agency as it publishes its initial guidance on the therapies.
Considering more than one billion individuals worldwide now living with obesity, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to GLP-1 medication.
Per forecasts, over two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"The new guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be treated with holistic and lifelong treatment," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are key barriers to universal access to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing considerable body mass, notes the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Despite the current most optimistic outlook, the manufacturing of such drugs could only cover about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, as stated by the health organization.
The advice calls on countries and companies to increase access, by measures including licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the main ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Operate
GLP-1 drugs imitate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness so users consume fewer calories.
Patients commonly see weight reduction within a few weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Research indicates users may put most of the weight back on after a year of stopping the medication, as their normal appetite come back.
To be above a healthy weight elevates your risk for contracting health problems, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific malignancies.
Obesity impacts individuals in every country and was linked to millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
