Less than a tenth of patients who could benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy can access them, warns the global health agency as it issues its initial recommendations on the drugs.
Considering over a billion individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is advocating for broader and more equitable access to these injectable treatments.
According to projections, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines recognises that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be treated with comprehensive and continuous treatment," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are significant obstacles to broad availability to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, notes the body.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Even in the current most optimistic case, the manufacturing of these medications would only suffice for about 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, according to the health organization.
The guideline encourages nations and manufacturers to expand availability, via approaches including voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the core ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Injections Function
The injections mimick a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness so individuals eat less.
Individuals commonly start to lose weight within a few weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Evidence indicates patients may see weight return a year later of discontinuing the medication, because their usual appetite come back.
Being overweight or obese increases your risk for contracting health problems, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Obesity impacts individuals in every country and was responsible for over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
