Under 10% of people who could benefit from obesity jabs like Wegovy have access to them, caution the World Health Organization as it releases its first recommendations on the medications.
Given over a billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to GLP-1 medication.
Per estimates, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidance recognises that obesity is a chronic disease that can be managed with comprehensive and lifelong support," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are key barriers to universal access to the injections that can help people shift considerable body mass, says the organization.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even under the current most optimistic outlook, the manufacturing of these medications would only suffice for around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, according to the health organization.
The guideline encourages nations and manufacturers to widen access, via approaches like patent sharing.
A patent on a key compound – the primary ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in a number of countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Drugs Work
GLP-1 drugs replicate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and increase satiety so individuals consume fewer calories.
Individuals typically see weight reduction after several weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Research indicates people may put most of the weight back on a year later of halting the treatment, as their usual appetite come back.
To be overweight or obese raises your likelihood for developing diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers.
Obesity concerns people in all nations and was linked to millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
