Fewer than one in 10 patients who could benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy are able to get them, caution the global health agency as it releases its first guidance on the therapies.
With more than one billion individuals worldwide now obese, it is calling for more widespread and fairer access to this class of drugs.
According to projections, over two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The latest guidance recognises that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be treated with holistic and lifelong care," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are key obstacles to universal access to the injections that can help people shift substantial weight, says the agency.
Skinny Jab Scarcity
Despite the present best projected scenario, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies could only cover approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, per the WHO.
The recommendation encourages nations and manufacturers to widen availability, by strategies such as licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the primary component of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Operate
These medications imitate a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness so individuals consume fewer calories.
Individuals usually see weight reduction after several weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Research suggests patients may regain a significant portion within a year of halting the drug, as their usual food cravings come back.
Being above a healthy weight increases your likelihood for contracting medical conditions, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific cancers.
Obesity impacts individuals in countries worldwide and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
