Fewer than one in 10 patients eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy are able to get them, warns the WHO as it issues its first recommendations on the therapies.
Considering over a billion individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.
Per forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidance recognises that obesity is a long-term condition that can be managed with holistic and ongoing treatment," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are significant hurdles to widespread availability to the injections that can aid individuals in losing substantial body mass, notes the agency.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even in the present most optimistic case, the manufacturing of such drugs might only reach about 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, as stated by the WHO.
The advice encourages countries and companies to expand availability, by strategies including licensing agreements.
The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the core component of a leading brand – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Function
GLP-1 drugs replicate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and boost feelings of fullness so individuals eat less.
Individuals usually begin shedding pounds after several weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Research points to patients may regain a significant portion a year later of halting the treatment, when their usual appetite return.
To be carrying excess weight raises your likelihood for developing health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and specific cancers.
Excess weight affects individuals in every country and was responsible for 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
