Fewer than a tenth of patients eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy can access them, warns the WHO as it issues its inaugural advice on the therapies.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is calling for more widespread and fairer access to GLP-1 medication.
Per estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidance affirms that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with comprehensive and continuous treatment," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are major obstacles to broad availability to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing significant body mass, notes the organization.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Even under the present most favorable outlook, the manufacturing of such drugs might only reach about 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the WHO.
The guideline calls on governments and firms to widen access, via measures such as voluntary licensing.
The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the core component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Operate
These medications replicate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and boost feelings of fullness so individuals consume fewer calories.
People commonly see weight reduction after several weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Research points to users may see weight return after a year of stopping the drug, as their usual appetite come back.
Being carrying excess weight raises your risk for contracting diseases, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific cancers.
Obesity impacts individuals in countries worldwide and was responsible for 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
