Fewer than one in 10 patients eligible to benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy have access to them, states the global health agency as it publishes its first recommendations on the medications.
Considering over a billion individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer availability to these injectable treatments.
Based on projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be managed with thorough and continuous support," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are key obstacles to universal access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing considerable body mass, says the body.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even in the present most favorable scenario, the supply of such drugs might only reach around 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the health organization.
The recommendation encourages governments and firms to expand availability, via approaches like licensing agreements.
A patent on semaglutide – the core ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Function
The injections mimick a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so people consume fewer calories.
People usually see weight reduction in the initial weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Studies indicates patients may see weight return after a year of halting the drug, as their normal food cravings resume.
Being above a healthy weight raises your likelihood for contracting diseases, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific malignancies.
Excess weight impacts individuals in all nations and was responsible for millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
