Less than one in 10 people that would benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy can access them, states the global health agency as it issues its inaugural advice on the medications.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to GLP-1 medication.
According to forecasts, more than two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"The latest guidance recognises that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be managed with thorough and lifelong care," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are key obstacles to widespread access to the injections that can help people shift significant body mass, notes the body.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Even under the present most optimistic scenario, the supply of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for about 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.
The recommendation urges nations and manufacturers to expand access, by strategies such as licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the core ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is set to lapse in a number of nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Work
GLP-1 drugs replicate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and increase satiety so people consume fewer calories.
Individuals commonly see weight reduction within a few weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Studies points to people may regain a significant portion a year later of discontinuing the drug, as their typical appetite resume.
To be overweight or obese elevates your risk for experiencing medical conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and specific cancers.
Excess weight impacts people in countries worldwide and was associated with over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
