Under a tenth of individuals who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy are able to get them, caution the global health agency as it publishes its first advice on the drugs.
With more than one billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is urging increased and just availability to this class of drugs.
Per projections, more than two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"The latest guidance affirms that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be managed with thorough and ongoing care," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are significant barriers to broad access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, says the body.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even in the current most favorable outlook, the supply of these medications might only reach about 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the WHO.
The advice encourages countries and companies to increase access, by measures such as voluntary licensing.
A patent on the active ingredient – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Injections Work
GLP-1 drugs mimick a body's own hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness so individuals eat less.
People commonly see weight reduction in the initial weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Evidence points to users may see weight return within a year of stopping the medication, as their usual food cravings come back.
To be carrying excess weight increases your risk for developing medical conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.
Obesity affects people in every country and was associated with 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
