Fewer than 10% of patients that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, caution the WHO as it issues its inaugural advice on the medications.
Given over a billion people worldwide currently obese, it is calling for increased and just availability to GLP-1 medication.
Based on projections, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be managed with thorough and ongoing support," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are significant hurdles to universal access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing significant weight, notes the agency.
Skinny Jab Scarcity
Even in the current most favorable case, the production of GLP-1 therapies could only cover about 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, according to the health organization.
The advice calls on countries and companies to widen availability, through measures like voluntary licensing.
The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the primary ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is set to lapse in several countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Operate
These medications replicate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and increase feelings of fullness so individuals consume fewer calories.
Patients usually begin shedding pounds after several weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Research suggests patients may regain a significant portion after a year of discontinuing the treatment, when their normal hunger return.
Being above a healthy weight elevates your risk for developing diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.
Obesity impacts individuals in all nations and was linked to millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
