Under one in 10 people that would benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy have access to them, states the global health agency as it publishes its initial advice on the drugs.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently obese, it is advocating for broader and more equitable access to this class of drugs.
Per forecasts, over two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidance acknowledges that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be treated with thorough and ongoing support," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are major hurdles to broad access to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing considerable weight, says the agency.
Skinny Jab Scarcity
Even in the current most optimistic outlook, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, according to the WHO.
The recommendation encourages countries and companies to widen availability, via measures such as voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in multiple countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Jabs Work
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and enhance feelings of fullness so individuals eat less.
Individuals usually begin shedding pounds after several weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Research suggests patients may see weight return after a year of halting the drug, when their normal food cravings return.
To be overweight or obese increases your likelihood for contracting health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some malignancies.
Excess weight concerns individuals in countries worldwide and was responsible for millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
