Fewer than one in 10 people that would benefit from obesity jabs like Wegovy are able to get them, caution the World Health Organization as it publishes its initial advice on the medications.
With over a billion individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is advocating for broader and more equitable access to these injectable treatments.
Per forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidance affirms that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with thorough and ongoing support," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are major hurdles to universal access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, explains the agency.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even in the current best projected scenario, the supply of such drugs could only cover around 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, as stated by the health organization.
The advice calls on governments and firms to increase availability, by approaches like voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the core component of a leading brand – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Injections Work
The injections replicate a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and boost satiety so individuals eat less.
Individuals commonly begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.
Evidence points to people may regain a significant portion within a year of halting the treatment, because their typical food cravings resume.
Being above a healthy weight elevates your likelihood for experiencing diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.
Obesity affects people in countries worldwide and was responsible for 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
