Less than one in 10 people who could benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy can access them, caution the global health agency as it issues its initial recommendations on the drugs.
With over a billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging broader and more equitable availability to GLP-1 medication.
Based on projections, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidance recognises that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be treated with holistic and continuous support," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are significant hurdles to universal availability to the injections that can aid individuals in losing considerable body mass, explains the body.
Skinny Jab Scarcity
Even in the present most optimistic outlook, the manufacturing of these medications could only cover approximately 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, per the health organization.
The advice urges countries and companies to increase availability, via strategies like patent sharing.
A patent on the active ingredient – the main component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Work
GLP-1 drugs mimick a body's own hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and increase feelings of fullness so individuals eat less.
Individuals usually start to lose weight within a few weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Studies indicates people may regain a significant portion within a year of halting the treatment, because their usual appetite return.
To be carrying excess weight elevates your chance for contracting health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some malignancies.
Obesity impacts people in every country and was linked to millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
