Less than a tenth of individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, caution the global health agency as it issues its initial guidance on the medications.
Given more than one billion individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is calling for increased and just access to GLP-1 medication.
Per estimates, more than two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidance recognises that obesity is a long-term condition that can be treated with holistic and continuous care," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are significant hurdles to broad access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing considerable body mass, explains the organization.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Even under the current best projected scenario, the manufacturing of these medications might only reach approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, as stated by the WHO.
The recommendation urges governments and firms to expand access, by approaches including voluntary licensing.
The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the main component of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in a number of nations in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Drugs Work
The injections replicate a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and increase the sense of being full so individuals eat less.
Individuals commonly begin shedding pounds after several weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Research suggests people may regain a significant portion after a year of halting the medication, when their typical food cravings come back.
To be overweight or obese elevates your likelihood for contracting diseases, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.
Obesity concerns people in every country and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
