Fewer than 10% of people who could benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy are able to get them, states the global health agency as it releases its initial advice on the drugs.
Given more than one billion individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is advocating for broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on estimates, more than two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our latest guidance recognises that obesity is a long-term condition that can be treated with thorough and lifelong care," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are major barriers to widespread access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing substantial weight, says the agency.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Despite the present best projected case, the supply of these medications would only suffice for around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the WHO.
The recommendation urges governments and firms to increase availability, via approaches like patent sharing.
The intellectual property rights on a key compound – the core component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Work
These medications mimick a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and enhance satiety so people consume fewer calories.
Individuals commonly see weight reduction after several weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Studies points to users may see weight return after a year of discontinuing the drug, because their usual appetite resume.
To be above a healthy weight elevates your risk for experiencing diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight affects people in all nations and was associated with 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
