Fewer than a tenth of patients who could benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy can access them, warns the WHO as it publishes its first recommendations on the medications.
With in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer access to this class of drugs.
Based on projections, over two billion will be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidance affirms that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with thorough and ongoing treatment," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are key hurdles to broad availability to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing considerable body mass, notes the body.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even in the current most favorable outlook, the production of these medications might only reach about 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, according to the WHO.
The guideline calls on governments and firms to increase availability, by approaches such as patent sharing.
The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the core ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Function
GLP-1 drugs replicate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and increase satiety so people eat less.
Individuals commonly see weight reduction within a few weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Research indicates patients may see weight return a year later of discontinuing the medication, because their usual appetite resume.
To be above a healthy weight elevates your risk for experiencing medical conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some cancers.
Obesity affects people in every country and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
