Under one in 10 individuals who could benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy are able to get them, warns the global health agency as it publishes its initial guidance on the medications.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide now obese, it is advocating for broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.
According to forecasts, over two billion will be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"The latest guidelines recognises that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be treated with holistic and lifelong treatment," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are significant hurdles to widespread access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, explains the body.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even in the current best projected scenario, the production of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, per the WHO.
The recommendation encourages governments and firms to increase access, via measures including voluntary licensing.
A patent on a key compound – the primary component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Operate
The injections replicate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and increase feelings of fullness so people eat less.
People commonly begin shedding pounds after several weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Studies indicates patients may put most of the weight back on after a year of discontinuing the medication, as their usual appetite return.
Being overweight or obese raises your chance for contracting medical conditions, like diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and some cancers.
Excess weight affects individuals in every country and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
