Under 10% of individuals that would benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy can access them, warns the WHO as it publishes its first recommendations on the drugs.
With over a billion individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging more widespread and fairer availability to this class of drugs.
Per estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidelines recognises that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with thorough and ongoing care," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are key obstacles to broad access to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing substantial body mass, says the organization.
Skinny Jab Scarcity
Even in the present most favorable outlook, the production of GLP-1 therapies might only reach about 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, according to the health organization.
The guideline urges nations and manufacturers to expand access, via measures such as licensing agreements.
The intellectual property rights on a key compound – the core ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Operate
These medications replicate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and enhance the sense of being full so people consume fewer calories.
Patients commonly see weight reduction within a few weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Research suggests patients may regain a significant portion a year later of halting the medication, when their typical food cravings come back.
Being above a healthy weight increases your risk for experiencing medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some cancers.
Obesity concerns individuals in every country and was linked to 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
