Fewer than a tenth of patients eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy can access them, caution the global health agency as it issues its initial recommendations on the therapies.
With over a billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable access to this class of drugs.
Per forecasts, over two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidelines recognises that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be managed with holistic and lifelong treatment," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are key hurdles to widespread availability to the jabs that can help people shift substantial weight, explains the organization.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even under the current most optimistic scenario, the manufacturing of such drugs would only suffice for about 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, per the WHO.
The advice urges nations and manufacturers to expand access, by measures like licensing agreements.
A patent on a key compound – the main component of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in a number of nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Operate
GLP-1 drugs mimick a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness so individuals eat less.
Individuals commonly see weight reduction in the initial weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Research indicates patients may regain a significant portion after a year of discontinuing the treatment, when their typical appetite resume.
Being overweight or obese raises your likelihood for contracting health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.
Obesity impacts people in countries worldwide and was associated with over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
