Less than 10% of individuals who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy have access to them, states the global health agency as it issues its initial advice on the drugs.
Considering over a billion people worldwide now living with obesity, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.
According to estimates, more than two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our latest guidance affirms that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be managed with comprehensive and ongoing support," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are key barriers to broad access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing substantial weight, notes the body.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Even in the present most optimistic scenario, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for around 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, according to the health organization.
The recommendation calls on nations and manufacturers to increase availability, via approaches including patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the core ingredient of a leading brand – is set to lapse in a number of nations in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Operate
GLP-1 drugs imitate a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and enhance satiety so individuals consume fewer calories.
Patients usually begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Studies points to patients may see weight return after a year of stopping the drug, because their usual food cravings return.
To be above a healthy weight raises your chance for developing diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight impacts individuals in all nations and was associated with millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
