Less than one in 10 individuals who could benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy are able to get them, states the global health agency as it issues its inaugural guidance on the therapies.
Considering more than one billion individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable access to these injectable treatments.
Based on forecasts, over two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidance recognises that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be addressed with thorough and lifelong support," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are significant hurdles to broad access to the jabs that can help people shift substantial weight, says the body.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even under the present best projected outlook, the production of such drugs might only reach around 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, per the WHO.
The recommendation encourages countries and companies to widen availability, by measures including licensing agreements.
A patent on a key compound – the core component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Work
The injections mimick a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and increase the sense of being full so users reduce food intake.
Patients usually start to lose weight within a few weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Evidence indicates users may put most of the weight back on within a year of halting the drug, because their typical appetite resume.
Being overweight or obese increases your risk for developing health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight impacts people in countries worldwide and was responsible for 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
