Less than a tenth of individuals that would benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy are able to get them, warns the global health agency as it releases its inaugural recommendations on the medications.
With in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is advocating for increased and just access to this class of drugs.
Based on forecasts, over two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The new guidelines affirms that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be managed with holistic and ongoing support," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are significant barriers to broad access to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing significant body mass, notes the agency.
Skinny Jab Scarcity
Even in the current best projected outlook, the production of such drugs could only cover approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, according to the health organization.
The guideline calls on nations and manufacturers to expand availability, by strategies including patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the main component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is set to lapse in several countries in 2026.
How Obesity Drugs Function
These medications replicate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and enhance satiety so individuals eat less.
Individuals commonly see weight reduction after several weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.
Studies suggests people may see weight return within a year of stopping the treatment, as their normal appetite come back.
Being carrying excess weight elevates your risk for developing health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.
Obesity affects people in countries worldwide and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
