Under 10% of patients who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy have access to them, caution the World Health Organization as it publishes its inaugural recommendations on the medications.
With over a billion people worldwide now obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.
According to forecasts, over two billion could be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be managed with comprehensive and ongoing care," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are major barriers to widespread availability to the injections that can help people shift significant weight, notes the agency.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even in the current most optimistic scenario, the production of GLP-1 therapies could only cover about 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, per the WHO.
The advice encourages countries and companies to widen access, through approaches like licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the core component of the drug Wegovy – is set to lapse in a number of countries in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Work
These medications replicate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and boost satiety so individuals consume fewer calories.
Patients usually see weight reduction after several weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Research indicates users may see weight return within a year of discontinuing the treatment, because their typical food cravings come back.
To be carrying excess weight elevates your likelihood for developing diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Obesity concerns people in all nations and was linked to over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
