Less than 10% of people that would benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy can access them, states the global health agency as it releases its initial guidance on the drugs.
Considering over a billion individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is urging increased and just access to this class of drugs.
Based on estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The latest guidance acknowledges that obesity is a long-term condition that can be managed with holistic and ongoing support," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are significant barriers to broad access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing substantial body mass, says the agency.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even under the current most optimistic scenario, the manufacturing of such drugs could only cover about 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, per the WHO.
The guideline urges nations and manufacturers to expand availability, through strategies such as patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the primary component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in multiple countries in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Operate
GLP-1 drugs mimick a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and enhance satiety so individuals reduce food intake.
Patients typically start to lose weight in the initial weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Studies indicates users may see weight return after a year of discontinuing the treatment, as their typical appetite resume.
To be above a healthy weight raises your risk for experiencing health problems, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some cancers.
Excess weight impacts people in countries worldwide and was responsible for millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
