Less than 10% of individuals that would benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy have access to them, warns the global health agency as it publishes its inaugural recommendations on the medications.
Given over a billion individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is urging broader and more equitable access to these injectable treatments.
Per estimates, more than two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidelines recognises that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be managed with comprehensive and lifelong support," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are significant barriers to universal access to the injections that can help people shift considerable weight, explains the organization.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even in the current best projected outlook, the supply of such drugs could only cover about 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, according to the health organization.
The advice encourages nations and manufacturers to increase availability, via approaches like voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the main component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.
How Obesity Drugs Operate
The injections mimick a natural hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and enhance satiety so individuals consume fewer calories.
Individuals usually start to lose weight in the initial weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Evidence points to users may see weight return within a year of discontinuing the treatment, as their usual food cravings resume.
To be overweight or obese raises your risk for contracting diseases, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.
Obesity concerns people in countries worldwide and was associated with over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
