Under one in 10 people who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy can access them, caution the global health agency as it publishes its inaugural advice on the medications.
Given over a billion people worldwide now obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable access to these injectable treatments.
Per forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidelines recognises that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be treated with holistic and ongoing treatment," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are key hurdles to widespread availability to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing considerable body mass, says the agency.
Skinny Jab Scarcity
Even under the current most optimistic scenario, the production of such drugs would only suffice for around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, according to the WHO.
The recommendation calls on governments and firms to increase availability, by strategies such as licensing agreements.
The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the core component of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Operate
The injections mimick a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and increase the sense of being full so users consume fewer calories.
Patients typically see weight reduction after several weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Evidence suggests users may see weight return within a year of halting the medication, because their normal appetite return.
Being overweight or obese elevates your risk for experiencing medical conditions, like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some malignancies.
Excess weight concerns individuals in every country and was responsible for 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
