Less than one in 10 individuals who could benefit from obesity jabs like Wegovy are able to get them, warns the WHO as it issues its initial guidance on the medications.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.
According to forecasts, over two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidelines recognises that obesity is a long-term condition that can be managed with thorough and ongoing care," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are major obstacles to broad availability to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing substantial weight, notes the organization.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Even in the current most favorable outlook, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies could only cover approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, as stated by the WHO.
The guideline urges countries and companies to increase access, through measures including voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the core component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Operate
The injections imitate a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness so people consume fewer calories.
Patients typically start to lose weight in the initial weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Studies points to users may regain a significant portion a year later of stopping the drug, as their typical hunger come back.
Being above a healthy weight elevates your chance for contracting health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.
Excess weight impacts individuals in every country and was linked to 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
