Less than 10% of people that would benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy can access them, states the WHO as it publishes its first recommendations on the medications.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide now obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer availability to GLP-1 medication.
According to forecasts, more than two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be addressed with thorough and ongoing support," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are significant barriers to widespread availability to the injections that can assist patients in reducing significant weight, says the agency.
Skinny Jab Scarcity
Even in the current most favorable case, the production of these medications might only reach around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, according to the health organization.
The guideline encourages countries and companies to increase access, by approaches like licensing agreements.
A patent on a key compound – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Operate
GLP-1 drugs imitate a biological compound to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and boost satiety so people reduce food intake.
People typically start to lose weight within a few weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Studies points to patients may regain a significant portion a year later of discontinuing the medication, as their normal appetite return.
To be overweight or obese increases your likelihood for experiencing diseases, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Obesity concerns people in countries worldwide and was linked to over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
