Less than one in 10 patients who could benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy have access to them, states the WHO as it releases its first advice on the drugs.
Given over a billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging broader and more equitable availability to these injectable treatments.
Based on forecasts, over two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our latest guidance recognises that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be managed with comprehensive and continuous treatment," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are key hurdles to universal availability to the treatments that can help people shift significant weight, says the body.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even under the current best projected outlook, the manufacturing of such drugs might only reach around 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, per the health organization.
The recommendation encourages nations and manufacturers to increase access, via strategies like licensing agreements.
A patent on a key compound – the core ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Work
The injections replicate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and boost the sense of being full so individuals consume fewer calories.
Individuals commonly begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Studies points to users may regain a significant portion within a year of halting the medication, because their usual hunger come back.
To be overweight or obese elevates your risk for experiencing diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.
Obesity impacts individuals in countries worldwide and was associated with over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
