Fewer than a tenth of individuals that would benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy have access to them, warns the WHO as it publishes its first advice on the drugs.
Given more than one billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is calling for broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.
According to estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The latest guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be addressed with thorough and ongoing care," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are key obstacles to universal availability to the jabs that can help people shift substantial body mass, notes the agency.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even under the current most favorable case, the supply of these medications would only suffice for around 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.
The recommendation urges nations and manufacturers to widen availability, by approaches such as licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Work
GLP-1 drugs mimick a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and enhance the sense of being full so users eat less.
Individuals usually begin shedding pounds after several weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Studies suggests users may regain a significant portion within a year of discontinuing the drug, as their usual food cravings resume.
To be above a healthy weight increases your chance for contracting medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight impacts people in every country and was responsible for 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
