Less than one in 10 people eligible to benefit from obesity jabs like Wegovy have access to them, warns the World Health Organization as it publishes its inaugural recommendations on the medications.
With over a billion individuals worldwide now obese, it is calling for increased and just availability to this class of drugs.
Based on forecasts, over two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The new guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be managed with thorough and continuous care," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are key hurdles to widespread access to the treatments that can help people shift substantial weight, explains the agency.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Even in the current most favorable outlook, the manufacturing of such drugs might only reach around 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, per the health organization.
The recommendation encourages nations and manufacturers to widen availability, via strategies such as patent sharing.
A patent on the active ingredient – the main component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Work
These medications mimick a biological compound to slow digestion, curb appetite and boost the sense of being full so people consume fewer calories.
People typically see weight reduction after several weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Studies indicates users may put most of the weight back on after a year of stopping the medication, when their typical appetite return.
Being overweight or obese elevates your chance for experiencing medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and some cancers.
Excess weight impacts people in countries worldwide and was associated with over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
