Fewer than a tenth of people that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy are able to get them, warns the WHO as it publishes its first recommendations on the therapies.
Given more than one billion individuals worldwide now living with obesity, it is advocating for increased and just access to this class of drugs.
According to forecasts, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidelines affirms that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be treated with comprehensive and ongoing support," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are major obstacles to widespread access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing substantial weight, says the agency.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Despite the current most optimistic outlook, the manufacturing of these medications would only suffice for about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the health organization.
The guideline encourages governments and firms to expand access, by approaches like voluntary licensing.
A patent on a key compound – the core component of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in multiple countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Injections Operate
GLP-1 drugs replicate a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and enhance the sense of being full so users consume fewer calories.
Individuals usually start to lose weight in the initial weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Research indicates patients may see weight return within a year of discontinuing the treatment, because their usual hunger come back.
To be above a healthy weight elevates your likelihood for experiencing health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Obesity impacts individuals in countries worldwide and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
