Fewer than a tenth of individuals that would benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy are able to get them, warns the WHO as it issues its initial advice on the drugs.
Given more than one billion individuals worldwide now obese, it is advocating for broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on forecasts, more than two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidance acknowledges that obesity is a long-term condition that can be treated with thorough and continuous support," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are major obstacles to broad availability to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing substantial weight, explains the body.
Skinny Jab Scarcity
Even in the current most favorable outlook, the manufacturing of these medications could only cover around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, as stated by the health organization.
The advice urges governments and firms to expand access, through measures like voluntary licensing.
A patent on semaglutide – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in multiple nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Work
GLP-1 drugs replicate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and increase the sense of being full so individuals reduce food intake.
People typically start to lose weight after several weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Evidence points to people may see weight return within a year of halting the drug, as their usual food cravings return.
To be carrying excess weight elevates your chance for contracting medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific cancers.
Excess weight impacts individuals in every country and was responsible for 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
