Fewer than a tenth of people that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy can access them, warns the WHO as it releases its inaugural advice on the therapies.
With more than one billion individuals worldwide now obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer availability to these injectable treatments.
According to estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidance acknowledges that obesity is a long-term condition that can be treated with holistic and lifelong treatment," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are significant barriers to widespread access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, says the body.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Even under the current most optimistic case, the production of GLP-1 therapies could only cover about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the WHO.
The guideline calls on nations and manufacturers to widen access, by measures including licensing agreements.
A patent on a key compound – the core component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Function
GLP-1 drugs replicate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and boost feelings of fullness so people reduce food intake.
Patients typically see weight reduction after several weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Studies points to patients may regain a significant portion after a year of discontinuing the medication, because their typical food cravings come back.
Being overweight or obese raises your chance for developing health problems, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.
Obesity impacts people in every country and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
