Under 10% of patients who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy can access them, warns the global health agency as it issues its initial recommendations on the therapies.
Given over a billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is advocating for increased and just access to this class of drugs.
According to estimates, more than two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"The new guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be managed with thorough and lifelong support," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are major hurdles to universal access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, says the organization.
Skinny Jab Scarcity
Despite the current best projected case, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies could only cover about 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, according to the WHO.
The recommendation urges countries and companies to expand availability, via measures like licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the primary component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Work
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and boost satiety so users eat less.
People usually begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Studies suggests patients may see weight return within a year of halting the treatment, as their typical appetite come back.
To be carrying excess weight increases your chance for experiencing medical conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.
Obesity impacts people in countries worldwide and was associated with over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
