Fewer than 10% of people who could benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy have access to them, states the WHO as it issues its first advice on the drugs.
Given over a billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is urging broader and more equitable access to this class of drugs.
Per projections, over two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be treated with holistic and lifelong care," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are significant barriers to universal availability to the injections that can aid individuals in losing considerable weight, explains the organization.
Skinny Jab Scarcity
Even in the current best projected outlook, the production of GLP-1 therapies could only cover around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, according to the health organization.
The recommendation calls on governments and firms to increase availability, through strategies such as patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the primary ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Work
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and enhance satiety so users reduce food intake.
People commonly begin shedding pounds after several weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.
Research points to patients may see weight return a year later of discontinuing the medication, because their normal appetite come back.
To be above a healthy weight increases your likelihood for experiencing diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and specific cancers.
Excess weight impacts individuals in countries worldwide and was linked to millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
