Fewer than 10% of individuals who could benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy can access them, warns the WHO as it releases its inaugural guidance on the drugs.
Given more than one billion people worldwide now living with obesity, it is advocating for broader and more equitable availability to this class of drugs.
According to projections, over two billion will be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"The new guidelines affirms that obesity is a chronic disease that can be managed with thorough and lifelong treatment," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are key obstacles to universal access to the treatments that can help people shift substantial weight, explains the organization.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Despite the present most optimistic case, the supply of these medications would only suffice for around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.
The guideline encourages nations and manufacturers to widen access, by strategies such as licensing agreements.
A patent on a key compound – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Work
These medications mimick a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and increase satiety so individuals reduce food intake.
Individuals usually start to lose weight within a few weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Studies suggests people may see weight return a year later of stopping the medication, because their typical appetite come back.
To be carrying excess weight raises your risk for developing diseases, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific cancers.
Obesity affects individuals in countries worldwide and was associated with over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
