Under 10% of individuals eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy have access to them, states the WHO as it issues its inaugural advice on the medications.
With over a billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is calling for more widespread and fairer availability to these injectable treatments.
Based on projections, over two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidelines affirms that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with comprehensive and continuous care," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are significant barriers to broad access to the jabs that can help people shift substantial weight, explains the body.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even under the present most optimistic outlook, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, per the WHO.
The advice urges nations and manufacturers to increase availability, via approaches such as licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the main component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Function
These medications mimick a natural hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and boost satiety so individuals reduce food intake.
Patients usually begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Evidence indicates users may see weight return a year later of stopping the drug, because their usual food cravings return.
Being above a healthy weight increases your risk for developing medical conditions, like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight concerns individuals in every country and was associated with millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
