Less than one in 10 patients that would benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy have access to them, states the World Health Organization as it releases its first advice on the medications.
Considering more than one billion people worldwide now living with obesity, it is calling for more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.
Based on forecasts, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The new guidelines affirms that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be managed with thorough and ongoing care," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are key hurdles to widespread availability to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, notes the body.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Even under the present best projected outlook, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies could only cover around 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, per the health organization.
The advice encourages governments and firms to expand availability, by approaches like licensing agreements.
The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the main component of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Operate
GLP-1 drugs mimick a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and boost the sense of being full so people reduce food intake.
Patients commonly begin shedding pounds after several weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Studies indicates users may regain a significant portion after a year of halting the treatment, because their usual food cravings return.
Being above a healthy weight raises your risk for experiencing health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific cancers.
Excess weight affects people in every country and was associated with over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
