Fewer than a tenth of individuals who could benefit from obesity jabs like Wegovy have access to them, states the WHO as it releases its first recommendations on the therapies.
Considering more than one billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is advocating for increased and just availability to these injectable treatments.
Per forecasts, over two billion will be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidelines recognises that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with holistic and ongoing support," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are key hurdles to broad access to the jabs that can help people shift considerable body mass, says the agency.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even under the present most optimistic outlook, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies might only reach approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the WHO.
The guideline urges governments and firms to widen availability, through measures like voluntary licensing.
A patent on a key compound – the core ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in a number of nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Operate
GLP-1 drugs imitate a biological compound to slow digestion, reduce hunger and enhance satiety so people reduce food intake.
People usually begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Research points to patients may regain a significant portion within a year of halting the treatment, when their usual hunger resume.
To be overweight or obese increases your likelihood for experiencing diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific cancers.
Obesity impacts individuals in all nations and was linked to over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
