Less than a tenth of individuals who could benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy are able to get them, warns the WHO as it publishes its initial recommendations on the drugs.
Given more than one billion people worldwide now living with obesity, it is calling for broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.
Per projections, more than two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidance acknowledges that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be treated with thorough and ongoing support," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are significant obstacles to broad availability to the treatments that can help people shift considerable body mass, says the agency.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Despite the present most optimistic case, the supply of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for about 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, according to the health organization.
The recommendation calls on nations and manufacturers to increase access, by approaches such as voluntary licensing.
A patent on a key compound – the core component of a leading brand – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Work
The injections imitate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and enhance the sense of being full so people consume fewer calories.
People commonly begin shedding pounds after several weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Research points to people may see weight return a year later of discontinuing the medication, when their typical food cravings come back.
Being above a healthy weight elevates your chance for experiencing medical conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight affects individuals in every country and was responsible for 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
