Less than a tenth of patients who could benefit from obesity jabs like Wegovy can access them, states the global health agency as it issues its initial recommendations on the therapies.
Considering over a billion people worldwide currently obese, it is urging increased and just availability to this class of drugs.
According to forecasts, more than two billion will be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"The new guidance affirms that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with thorough and ongoing care," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are major barriers to universal availability to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing considerable weight, notes the agency.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even in the present best projected case, the supply of GLP-1 therapies might only reach about 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.
The guideline encourages countries and companies to expand availability, through approaches like patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the main ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
How Obesity Drugs Work
The injections mimick a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and increase feelings of fullness so individuals eat less.
Patients typically see weight reduction within a few weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Studies suggests patients may see weight return after a year of stopping the drug, when their normal food cravings come back.
Being above a healthy weight elevates your chance for developing diseases, like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific malignancies.
Obesity impacts people in countries worldwide and was responsible for millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
