Less than a tenth of people that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy can access them, states the global health agency as it releases its inaugural advice on the drugs.
Considering over a billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable availability to this class of drugs.
Based on estimates, more than two billion will be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidance affirms that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with thorough and continuous support," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are significant barriers to universal availability to the jabs that can help people shift considerable body mass, explains the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Even in the current most optimistic case, the manufacturing of these medications might only reach about 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the WHO.
The recommendation calls on nations and manufacturers to widen access, by measures including licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the primary ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in multiple countries in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Operate
GLP-1 drugs replicate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and boost feelings of fullness so people reduce food intake.
People typically see weight reduction within a few weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Evidence points to patients may regain a significant portion after a year of discontinuing the treatment, as their normal hunger return.
Being overweight or obese elevates your likelihood for experiencing diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some malignancies.
Excess weight impacts individuals in all nations and was linked to 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
