Less than 10% of people who could benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy can access them, warns the World Health Organization as it publishes its first recommendations on the therapies.
Considering over a billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is calling for increased and just access to these injectable treatments.
Per estimates, more than two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidance recognises that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be treated with thorough and lifelong treatment," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are significant hurdles to universal availability to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing considerable body mass, notes the body.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Despite the current most optimistic case, the manufacturing of such drugs might only reach about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, according to the health organization.
The recommendation calls on governments and firms to expand access, via approaches including voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the core component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Function
GLP-1 drugs mimick a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and increase satiety so users reduce food intake.
Patients typically begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Research points to patients may see weight return within a year of discontinuing the drug, because their usual hunger return.
To be carrying excess weight increases your likelihood for developing health problems, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.
Excess weight affects individuals in countries worldwide and was responsible for millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
