Less than 10% of individuals who could benefit from obesity jabs like Wegovy can access them, states the WHO as it issues its inaugural recommendations on the therapies.
With more than one billion individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging increased and just availability to this class of drugs.
According to forecasts, over two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidance recognises that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with comprehensive and ongoing care," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are major barriers to broad access to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing significant body mass, says the agency.
Skinny Jab Scarcity
Even in the current best projected scenario, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies could only cover approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the WHO.
The guideline calls on nations and manufacturers to widen access, by approaches like voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the main ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is set to lapse in multiple nations in 2026.
How Obesity Drugs Function
These medications mimick a biological compound to slow digestion, reduce hunger and boost feelings of fullness so users consume fewer calories.
People usually see weight reduction in the initial weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Research points to users may see weight return within a year of discontinuing the treatment, as their normal food cravings return.
To be above a healthy weight increases your risk for contracting diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.
Excess weight concerns people in countries worldwide and was responsible for over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
