Under 10% of patients eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy are able to get them, states the WHO as it publishes its initial recommendations on the drugs.
Considering over a billion individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is advocating for increased and just availability to GLP-1 medication.
Per estimates, over two billion will be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The new guidance affirms that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be addressed with comprehensive and continuous support," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are major barriers to broad access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing substantial body mass, says the body.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Despite the current best projected scenario, the supply of such drugs would only suffice for about 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, per the WHO.
The recommendation urges nations and manufacturers to expand access, by approaches like patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the main component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in multiple countries in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Work
These medications mimick a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and boost satiety so people consume fewer calories.
Individuals usually see weight reduction within a few weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Research suggests users may regain a significant portion after a year of halting the medication, when their typical hunger return.
To be above a healthy weight raises your likelihood for contracting diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some cancers.
Obesity concerns people in every country and was linked to 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.