Fewer than a tenth of individuals who could benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy have access to them, warns the World Health Organization as it issues its initial advice on the therapies.
With in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable access to these injectable treatments.
Per estimates, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidance affirms that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be addressed with comprehensive and lifelong care," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are key hurdles to broad access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing considerable weight, notes the organization.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Even in the current best projected outlook, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies could only cover approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, per the health organization.
The advice encourages countries and companies to widen availability, through measures like licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the primary ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Work
GLP-1 drugs replicate a natural hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and increase the sense of being full so users reduce food intake.
Individuals commonly begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.
Studies suggests people may put most of the weight back on a year later of stopping the drug, because their usual appetite return.
To be carrying excess weight increases your likelihood for contracting medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.
Obesity affects people in countries worldwide and was linked to millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
