Fewer than one in 10 people who could benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy can access them, states the global health agency as it releases its initial recommendations on the medications.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is calling for increased and just availability to this class of drugs.
Per estimates, over two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidance recognises that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be managed with comprehensive and ongoing support," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are major hurdles to broad availability to the treatments that can help people shift considerable weight, explains the body.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Despite the current most favorable outlook, the production of these medications could only cover about 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, as stated by the WHO.
The advice encourages countries and companies to increase access, through approaches including licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the main ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in multiple nations in 2026.
How Obesity Drugs Function
GLP-1 drugs mimick a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and increase the sense of being full so people eat less.
Patients usually see weight reduction after several weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Studies suggests people may see weight return after a year of stopping the drug, because their usual appetite return.
Being carrying excess weight raises your risk for contracting medical conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some cancers.
Obesity impacts people in countries worldwide and was responsible for 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
