Under one in 10 people that would benefit from obesity jabs like Wegovy can access them, warns the global health agency as it releases its inaugural recommendations on the therapies.
Considering over a billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is advocating for broader and more equitable access to this class of drugs.
Based on forecasts, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines recognises that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be treated with thorough and lifelong treatment," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are significant barriers to universal access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing considerable weight, notes the organization.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Even in the current best projected case, the supply of such drugs could only cover approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, according to the WHO.
The guideline encourages countries and companies to widen availability, through strategies including licensing agreements.
A patent on a key compound – the primary component of the drug Wegovy – is set to lapse in multiple nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Operate
These medications imitate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and increase satiety so individuals reduce food intake.
People usually see weight reduction within a few weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Evidence suggests people may see weight return after a year of halting the medication, as their usual appetite return.
To be overweight or obese increases your likelihood for experiencing medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and specific cancers.
Excess weight concerns individuals in countries worldwide and was responsible for millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
