Under one in 10 individuals who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy can access them, caution the WHO as it publishes its initial recommendations on the therapies.
Given more than one billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is calling for more widespread and fairer availability to GLP-1 medication.
Based on projections, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidance recognises that obesity is a long-term condition that can be treated with holistic and ongoing support," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are major obstacles to universal access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing considerable body mass, explains the agency.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Even in the current most favorable scenario, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, per the WHO.
The guideline calls on nations and manufacturers to widen availability, through approaches including patent sharing.
A patent on the active ingredient – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Work
These medications mimick a natural hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and increase the sense of being full so people consume fewer calories.
Patients usually start to lose weight in the initial weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Research indicates patients may see weight return within a year of halting the drug, because their normal appetite come back.
Being above a healthy weight elevates your likelihood for experiencing health problems, like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific malignancies.
Excess weight impacts people in every country and was responsible for over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
