Less than a tenth of patients eligible to benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy can access them, caution the WHO as it publishes its initial recommendations on the medications.
With in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is calling for increased and just availability to these injectable treatments.
Based on estimates, over two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidance affirms that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with comprehensive and continuous care," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are major hurdles to widespread access to the jabs that can help people shift considerable weight, explains the agency.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Even in the current best projected outlook, the production of such drugs might only reach around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, according to the WHO.
The advice urges countries and companies to widen availability, via approaches such as patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the main ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Work
GLP-1 drugs mimick a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and increase feelings of fullness so individuals reduce food intake.
Patients usually see weight reduction within a few weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Studies indicates patients may see weight return after a year of halting the medication, when their usual hunger come back.
Being overweight or obese raises your risk for experiencing diseases, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some malignancies.
Excess weight impacts people in every country and was associated with millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
