Fewer than one in 10 people that would benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy can access them, caution the global health agency as it releases its first advice on the therapies.
With more than one billion people worldwide currently obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on projections, over two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidance recognises that obesity is a long-term condition that can be managed with thorough and lifelong care," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are major barriers to widespread access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing substantial weight, says the organization.
Skinny Jab Scarcity
Even under the current best projected outlook, the production of these medications might only reach about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, according to the WHO.
The guideline calls on countries and companies to widen access, by approaches including licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the main component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Operate
The injections imitate a biological compound to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and boost satiety so individuals reduce food intake.
People commonly begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Evidence suggests patients may see weight return after a year of discontinuing the drug, when their typical food cravings come back.
Being carrying excess weight elevates your risk for contracting medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and specific cancers.
Obesity concerns people in all nations and was responsible for 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
