Fewer than 10% of patients that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, states the global health agency as it publishes its first advice on the drugs.
Considering more than one billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging increased and just availability to GLP-1 medication.
Per estimates, more than two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"The new guidelines recognises that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be treated with holistic and ongoing support," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are significant obstacles to broad availability to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing considerable body mass, notes the agency.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even in the present best projected scenario, the manufacturing of such drugs could only cover about 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the health organization.
The recommendation calls on nations and manufacturers to increase access, via measures such as patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the main component of a leading brand – is set to lapse in several nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Operate
The injections imitate a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and increase feelings of fullness so users eat less.
Individuals commonly begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Studies indicates patients may see weight return a year later of halting the treatment, because their usual appetite resume.
Being overweight or obese elevates your chance for contracting health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and some cancers.
Obesity affects people in all nations and was linked to over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
