Fewer than a tenth of people that would benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy are able to get them, states the World Health Organization as it issues its first advice on the therapies.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide now living with obesity, it is urging broader and more equitable availability to GLP-1 medication.
Based on projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The latest guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be managed with comprehensive and continuous support," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are significant obstacles to broad access to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing considerable weight, says the body.
Skinny Jab Scarcity
Even in the current best projected outlook, the production of such drugs would only suffice for around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, as stated by the WHO.
The recommendation urges governments and firms to widen access, by approaches like licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the main ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Function
The injections replicate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and boost satiety so individuals reduce food intake.
Patients typically start to lose weight after several weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Studies indicates patients may put most of the weight back on within a year of halting the treatment, as their typical appetite return.
Being carrying excess weight raises your chance for developing health problems, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and specific cancers.
Excess weight affects people in every country and was linked to millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
