Fewer than one in 10 patients who could benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy have access to them, warns the WHO as it publishes its first advice on the therapies.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is calling for more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.
Based on projections, over two billion could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidance recognises that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be treated with comprehensive and ongoing care," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are major hurdles to widespread access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing substantial weight, notes the agency.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even in the current best projected outlook, the manufacturing of these medications would only suffice for around 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, per the health organization.
The recommendation calls on governments and firms to widen access, through strategies like voluntary licensing.
A patent on the active ingredient – the main component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Work
GLP-1 drugs imitate a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and increase feelings of fullness so individuals reduce food intake.
Individuals usually begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Studies suggests users may regain a significant portion a year later of stopping the treatment, as their typical appetite return.
Being above a healthy weight elevates your likelihood for developing medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.
Excess weight impacts individuals in all nations and was linked to millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
