Less than a tenth of individuals who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy have access to them, caution the WHO as it issues its inaugural recommendations on the medications.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging broader and more equitable availability to these injectable treatments.
Based on projections, over two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"The new guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a chronic disease that can be managed with thorough and ongoing treatment," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are significant obstacles to universal access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing considerable body mass, notes the agency.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Despite the current best projected case, the production of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, according to the WHO.
The guideline calls on countries and companies to expand availability, by measures including voluntary licensing.
A patent on the active ingredient – the primary component of a leading brand – is set to lapse in several countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Operate
The injections replicate a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and increase satiety so people consume fewer calories.
Individuals typically begin shedding pounds after several weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Research points to users may regain a significant portion after a year of halting the drug, as their typical hunger come back.
To be above a healthy weight elevates your chance for experiencing health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight impacts individuals in all nations and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
