Fewer than one in 10 individuals who could benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy can access them, states the World Health Organization as it issues its inaugural advice on the therapies.
With over a billion individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable access to this class of drugs.
Per forecasts, over two billion will be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be managed with comprehensive and ongoing care," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are significant hurdles to universal availability to the injections that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, explains the organization.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Despite the current most optimistic outlook, the supply of these medications would only suffice for around 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the WHO.
The recommendation encourages countries and companies to expand availability, through approaches including voluntary licensing.
A patent on the active ingredient – the primary component of a leading brand – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Function
The injections mimick a natural hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and enhance the sense of being full so users eat less.
Individuals typically see weight reduction after several weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Studies suggests patients may see weight return after a year of discontinuing the treatment, when their normal hunger come back.
To be above a healthy weight raises your likelihood for experiencing health problems, like diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and specific cancers.
Excess weight concerns people in every country and was associated with millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
