Fewer than a tenth of patients that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy can access them, caution the WHO as it publishes its inaugural advice on the therapies.
With more than one billion individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is urging broader and more equitable availability to GLP-1 medication.
According to projections, over two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be managed with thorough and lifelong care," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are significant barriers to widespread availability to the injections that can help people shift considerable weight, explains the body.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Despite the current most optimistic outlook, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies might only reach around 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, as stated by the WHO.
The recommendation urges governments and firms to increase access, by measures such as voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is set to lapse in a number of countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Jabs Work
The injections imitate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and increase satiety so people consume fewer calories.
People commonly begin shedding pounds after several weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Studies points to patients may see weight return a year later of discontinuing the medication, as their normal food cravings return.
Being above a healthy weight elevates your chance for contracting diseases, like diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Obesity concerns people in countries worldwide and was responsible for 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
