Under one in 10 patients eligible to benefit from obesity jabs like Wegovy are able to get them, states the WHO as it releases its inaugural recommendations on the medications.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer access to this class of drugs.
According to projections, more than two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidelines affirms that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be managed with comprehensive and continuous treatment," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are key hurdles to widespread access to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing substantial weight, explains the agency.
Skinny Jab Scarcity
Despite the current most optimistic case, the production of these medications could only cover approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, as stated by the WHO.
The recommendation urges governments and firms to expand access, by approaches such as voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the main component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of nations in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Operate
GLP-1 drugs replicate a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness so people eat less.
People commonly see weight reduction within a few weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Evidence suggests users may see weight return within a year of stopping the drug, because their typical hunger resume.
To be carrying excess weight raises your risk for contracting diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some malignancies.
Obesity affects individuals in every country and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
