Under a tenth of patients who could benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy have access to them, caution the World Health Organization as it issues its inaugural guidance on the drugs.
Given more than one billion individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is urging increased and just access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on estimates, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"Our latest guidance affirms that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be treated with holistic and lifelong care," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are significant hurdles to widespread access to the jabs that can help people shift considerable weight, notes the body.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even under the current best projected outlook, the manufacturing of these medications might only reach approximately 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, according to the WHO.
The recommendation encourages governments and firms to increase availability, by strategies including patent sharing.
A patent on the active ingredient – the main component of a leading brand – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Work
The injections mimick a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and increase the sense of being full so users consume fewer calories.
Individuals typically see weight reduction in the initial weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Studies suggests patients may regain a significant portion a year later of stopping the medication, as their typical appetite come back.
Being above a healthy weight elevates your risk for contracting health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and specific malignancies.
Obesity impacts individuals in every country and was linked to 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
