Fewer than 10% of patients who could benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy have access to them, warns the global health agency as it publishes its initial advice on the therapies.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide now living with obesity, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.
According to forecasts, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidelines affirms that obesity is a long-term condition that can be managed with thorough and lifelong care," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are significant barriers to universal availability to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing significant weight, notes the agency.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Despite the present most optimistic outlook, the manufacturing of these medications would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, according to the WHO.
The recommendation urges nations and manufacturers to increase availability, via strategies including voluntary licensing.
The intellectual property rights on a key compound – the core ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Operate
These medications imitate a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and enhance satiety so individuals consume fewer calories.
People commonly start to lose weight in the initial weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Studies suggests patients may regain a significant portion a year later of discontinuing the medication, because their normal appetite come back.
To be carrying excess weight elevates your risk for experiencing medical conditions, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.
Obesity impacts people in all nations and was linked to over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
