Less than 10% of patients who could benefit from obesity jabs like Wegovy can access them, states the global health agency as it publishes its initial advice on the drugs.
With over a billion people worldwide currently obese, it is calling for more widespread and fairer access to this class of drugs.
According to forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"The new guidance affirms that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be treated with holistic and ongoing care," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are key hurdles to broad availability to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing considerable weight, explains the agency.
Skinny Jab Scarcity
Despite the current best projected outlook, the manufacturing of these medications could only cover about 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, according to the WHO.
The recommendation encourages countries and companies to increase access, via measures such as licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the main component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Function
GLP-1 drugs imitate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so individuals reduce food intake.
Patients typically see weight reduction in the initial weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Evidence points to patients may regain a significant portion after a year of stopping the medication, when their usual hunger come back.
Being carrying excess weight elevates your chance for contracting medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Obesity concerns individuals in all nations and was linked to millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
