Under 10% of patients eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy are able to get them, states the global health agency as it releases its inaugural recommendations on the therapies.
Given more than one billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer availability to these injectable treatments.
Based on estimates, over two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The new guidelines recognises that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be addressed with comprehensive and continuous support," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are key barriers to universal availability to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing substantial body mass, notes the body.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Despite the current most optimistic outlook, the manufacturing of these medications would only suffice for about 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, according to the WHO.
The guideline calls on nations and manufacturers to increase access, by strategies such as voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the primary component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in a number of nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Operate
GLP-1 drugs mimick a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and boost feelings of fullness so individuals eat less.
Individuals commonly start to lose weight after several weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Studies suggests patients may put most of the weight back on after a year of halting the drug, when their typical hunger resume.
Being overweight or obese elevates your chance for developing health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.
Obesity affects individuals in every country and was linked to 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
