Less than one in 10 people that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy are able to get them, caution the global health agency as it issues its inaugural advice on the therapies.
With more than one billion individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for more widespread and fairer access to this class of drugs.
Per forecasts, more than two billion will be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidance affirms that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be managed with comprehensive and lifelong care," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are significant obstacles to widespread access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, notes the agency.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even in the current most optimistic outlook, the supply of these medications could only cover about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, according to the health organization.
The recommendation urges countries and companies to widen availability, by measures such as licensing agreements.
A patent on a key compound – the main component of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Work
The injections replicate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and boost feelings of fullness so users eat less.
Individuals typically start to lose weight within a few weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Studies points to patients may put most of the weight back on within a year of discontinuing the medication, when their usual hunger resume.
To be above a healthy weight elevates your risk for developing medical conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific cancers.
Excess weight impacts people in countries worldwide and was responsible for 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
