Fewer than 10% of people eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy have access to them, states the global health agency as it issues its first advice on the therapies.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is advocating for broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The new guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be treated with thorough and ongoing treatment," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are major hurdles to broad access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, explains the agency.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Even under the present most favorable outlook, the production of these medications would only suffice for about 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, according to the health organization.
The advice calls on governments and firms to increase availability, via strategies such as voluntary licensing.
A patent on the active ingredient – the main component of a leading brand – is due to expire in a number of nations in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Function
These medications mimick a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and boost the sense of being full so people consume fewer calories.
People commonly start to lose weight in the initial weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Evidence points to people may see weight return a year later of halting the treatment, because their typical appetite come back.
To be carrying excess weight increases your likelihood for contracting diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.
Excess weight affects individuals in countries worldwide and was responsible for 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
