Fewer than a tenth of individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy have access to them, warns the WHO as it publishes its initial guidance on the drugs.
With in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is advocating for increased and just access to this class of drugs.
Based on forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"The new guidelines affirms that obesity is a chronic disease that can be addressed with holistic and continuous support," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are major barriers to broad access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing considerable body mass, says the body.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even under the current best projected outlook, the production of GLP-1 therapies might only reach about 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, according to the WHO.
The advice urges countries and companies to expand access, via approaches including patent sharing.
The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the core ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Function
The injections replicate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and enhance satiety so users eat less.
Individuals commonly see weight reduction in the initial weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Evidence points to people may see weight return a year later of stopping the drug, when their usual appetite return.
Being overweight or obese increases your risk for experiencing diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some cancers.
Excess weight impacts people in every country and was associated with over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
