Fewer than 10% of patients that would benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy have access to them, states the global health agency as it issues its first recommendations on the medications.
Considering more than one billion individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging increased and just access to this class of drugs.
Based on estimates, more than two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"The new guidance recognises that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be addressed with comprehensive and ongoing care," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are significant barriers to widespread availability to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing considerable body mass, explains the agency.
Skinny Jab Scarcity
Even in the present most favorable case, the supply of such drugs could only cover around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, according to the WHO.
The recommendation calls on nations and manufacturers to widen availability, via measures including licensing agreements.
A patent on semaglutide – the primary ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Function
GLP-1 drugs replicate a biological compound to slow digestion, curb appetite and increase feelings of fullness so people reduce food intake.
People typically begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Studies points to people may see weight return within a year of halting the drug, as their normal appetite return.
Being overweight or obese increases your likelihood for experiencing medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and some malignancies.
Excess weight impacts individuals in countries worldwide and was linked to 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
