Less than 10% of individuals that would benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy can access them, warns the WHO as it releases its initial advice on the medications.
With in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is advocating for broader and more equitable availability to GLP-1 medication.
According to projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines affirms that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be treated with thorough and ongoing support," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are key obstacles to universal availability to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing considerable body mass, notes the agency.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Despite the current most favorable case, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, per the WHO.
The guideline calls on countries and companies to widen access, by measures including voluntary licensing.
The intellectual property rights on a key compound – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Function
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and enhance the sense of being full so individuals consume fewer calories.
Patients commonly see weight reduction after several weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Studies indicates people may regain a significant portion a year later of stopping the drug, as their usual hunger resume.
Being carrying excess weight raises your likelihood for contracting diseases, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some malignancies.
Excess weight concerns individuals in every country and was linked to over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
