Less than 10% of patients who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy are able to get them, caution the global health agency as it publishes its inaugural guidance on the drugs.
Given more than one billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is calling for increased and just access to GLP-1 medication.
According to projections, over two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidance affirms that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be managed with holistic and ongoing support," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are major hurdles to universal availability to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing considerable body mass, says the agency.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Despite the present best projected case, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, according to the WHO.
The recommendation urges countries and companies to increase access, via measures including licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the primary ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Work
These medications imitate a natural hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and boost satiety so users consume fewer calories.
People usually start to lose weight after several weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Research suggests people may put most of the weight back on within a year of discontinuing the drug, as their typical appetite return.
To be carrying excess weight raises your risk for developing diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and specific cancers.
Excess weight concerns individuals in all nations and was linked to millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
