Under one in 10 individuals that would benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy have access to them, states the global health agency as it publishes its first advice on the drugs.
Considering more than one billion individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"The latest guidance acknowledges that obesity is a long-term condition that can be treated with holistic and continuous care," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are key obstacles to broad availability to the jabs that can help people shift substantial weight, notes the agency.
Skinny Jab Scarcity
Even under the current most optimistic outlook, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies might only reach around 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, per the WHO.
The recommendation encourages countries and companies to increase availability, via strategies such as patent sharing.
The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Function
The injections mimick a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and boost feelings of fullness so people reduce food intake.
Patients typically begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Research indicates people may regain a significant portion within a year of stopping the treatment, because their normal appetite come back.
Being carrying excess weight raises your chance for contracting diseases, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.
Excess weight concerns people in every country and was associated with over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
