Under a tenth of individuals who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy are able to get them, warns the global health agency as it issues its inaugural advice on the therapies.
With in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable availability to these injectable treatments.
According to estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines affirms that obesity is a chronic disease that can be managed with thorough and lifelong support," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are key barriers to widespread access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing significant weight, notes the agency.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Despite the current best projected outlook, the production of these medications could only cover around 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, per the health organization.
The recommendation urges countries and companies to widen access, through measures including patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the primary component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Work
These medications imitate a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and enhance satiety so users consume fewer calories.
People commonly start to lose weight in the initial weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Research suggests patients may regain a significant portion after a year of discontinuing the drug, as their usual food cravings come back.
To be carrying excess weight elevates your likelihood for experiencing medical conditions, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.
Obesity affects people in all nations and was responsible for millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
