Under 10% of individuals that would benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy are able to get them, caution the global health agency as it publishes its initial recommendations on the drugs.
Given over a billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is advocating for increased and just access to this class of drugs.
Based on estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive and ongoing care," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are significant obstacles to widespread availability to the treatments that can help people shift significant body mass, notes the body.
Skinny Jab Scarcity
Even under the present most favorable case, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies could only cover around 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, according to the WHO.
The recommendation urges countries and companies to expand access, by measures including voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the main component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Function
The injections imitate a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness so users reduce food intake.
Individuals commonly see weight reduction in the initial weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Studies suggests people may regain a significant portion within a year of halting the drug, when their normal food cravings return.
To be carrying excess weight raises your chance for experiencing medical conditions, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.
Excess weight impacts people in all nations and was responsible for 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
