Less than one in 10 individuals that would benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy have access to them, states the WHO as it issues its initial advice on the drugs.
With more than one billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer availability to these injectable treatments.
Per forecasts, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"The latest guidelines affirms that obesity is a long-term condition that can be managed with holistic and ongoing care," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are significant obstacles to widespread availability to the treatments that can help people shift considerable weight, notes the organization.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Despite the current most favorable case, the manufacturing of such drugs would only suffice for about 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, as stated by the WHO.
The recommendation urges governments and firms to expand availability, by measures such as voluntary licensing.
A patent on the active ingredient – the core ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Work
The injections replicate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and boost feelings of fullness so people reduce food intake.
Patients usually see weight reduction within a few weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Studies suggests patients may put most of the weight back on a year later of halting the drug, as their typical food cravings resume.
To be above a healthy weight raises your risk for contracting diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain cancers.
Obesity concerns individuals in every country and was linked to 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
