Under 10% of people eligible to benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy can access them, states the global health agency as it releases its initial advice on the therapies.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging increased and just access to GLP-1 medication.
Per projections, more than two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our latest guidance recognises that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be treated with holistic and ongoing care," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are significant barriers to widespread access to the treatments that can help people shift considerable weight, says the body.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even in the current best projected case, the supply of GLP-1 therapies could only cover around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.
The recommendation calls on nations and manufacturers to widen access, by approaches including licensing agreements.
The intellectual property rights on a key compound – the core ingredient of a leading brand – is set to lapse in several countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Jabs Operate
GLP-1 drugs replicate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and increase the sense of being full so individuals reduce food intake.
Individuals typically see weight reduction within a few weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Evidence suggests users may regain a significant portion after a year of halting the drug, when their usual hunger return.
To be carrying excess weight elevates your chance for experiencing health problems, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some cancers.
Obesity impacts people in every country and was responsible for millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
