Under 10% of people eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy are able to get them, states the global health agency as it releases its first recommendations on the therapies.
Considering over a billion individuals worldwide now living with obesity, it is calling for broader and more equitable availability to GLP-1 medication.
Based on forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"The new guidelines affirms that obesity is a long-term condition that can be treated with comprehensive and ongoing treatment," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are major barriers to widespread availability to the injections that can aid individuals in losing substantial body mass, says the organization.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Even in the current most favorable scenario, the manufacturing of these medications would only suffice for around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, according to the WHO.
The guideline calls on countries and companies to increase availability, by approaches including licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the main component of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Work
These medications imitate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and increase feelings of fullness so people consume fewer calories.
Individuals usually see weight reduction after several weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Studies suggests people may see weight return within a year of discontinuing the medication, because their normal food cravings come back.
Being carrying excess weight elevates your likelihood for experiencing diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some malignancies.
Obesity concerns people in every country and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
