Less than 10% of individuals eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy have access to them, states the global health agency as it releases its first advice on the drugs.
Given over a billion people worldwide now living with obesity, it is advocating for increased and just availability to these injectable treatments.
Per estimates, over two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidance affirms that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong treatment," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are key hurdles to broad availability to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing considerable weight, notes the agency.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even under the current best projected case, the supply of these medications could only cover approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, according to the WHO.
The recommendation urges countries and companies to increase access, via measures such as patent sharing.
The intellectual property rights on a key compound – the main component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Work
The injections imitate a biological compound to slow digestion, curb appetite and boost the sense of being full so people reduce food intake.
Patients typically see weight reduction within a few weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Evidence points to users may regain a significant portion a year later of discontinuing the drug, as their usual food cravings come back.
To be carrying excess weight elevates your chance for developing health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.
Excess weight affects individuals in all nations and was associated with millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
