Fewer than one in 10 people who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy have access to them, states the global health agency as it publishes its initial advice on the medications.
Given more than one billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging broader and more equitable availability to GLP-1 medication.
According to projections, over two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The new guidance affirms that obesity is a chronic disease that can be managed with thorough and ongoing support," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are significant hurdles to universal availability to the jabs that can help people shift considerable weight, explains the agency.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even in the present most optimistic outlook, the supply of these medications might only reach about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the health organization.
The recommendation encourages countries and companies to expand availability, by strategies like voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is set to lapse in multiple nations in 2026.
How Obesity Drugs Function
GLP-1 drugs imitate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and boost the sense of being full so people consume fewer calories.
People typically see weight reduction after several weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Research indicates users may put most of the weight back on after a year of halting the drug, as their typical appetite return.
Being overweight or obese elevates your chance for developing health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight impacts individuals in every country and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
