Fewer than a tenth of individuals that would benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy can access them, states the global health agency as it issues its initial advice on the therapies.
With over a billion individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is urging broader and more equitable access to these injectable treatments.
Per projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The latest guidance affirms that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be addressed with thorough and continuous care," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are significant barriers to widespread availability to the treatments that can help people shift substantial weight, notes the organization.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even in the present most favorable outlook, the manufacturing of these medications could only cover around 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, per the WHO.
The recommendation calls on governments and firms to widen availability, by measures such as patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the core ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Work
GLP-1 drugs replicate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and increase feelings of fullness so users reduce food intake.
Patients commonly start to lose weight after several weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.
Evidence suggests users may regain a significant portion a year later of stopping the medication, as their typical hunger return.
Being above a healthy weight increases your likelihood for developing health problems, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain cancers.
Obesity affects individuals in all nations and was responsible for millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
