Fewer than a tenth of individuals that would benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy have access to them, warns the WHO as it releases its initial guidance on the medications.
Given more than one billion individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for more widespread and fairer availability to this class of drugs.
Based on projections, more than two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"The latest guidelines recognises that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be treated with holistic and lifelong support," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are significant barriers to widespread access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, says the agency.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Despite the current best projected scenario, the manufacturing of these medications might only reach around 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, per the health organization.
The recommendation calls on governments and firms to widen availability, via approaches including licensing agreements.
The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the core component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Operate
These medications imitate a biological compound to slow digestion, curb appetite and enhance satiety so individuals reduce food intake.
Individuals commonly see weight reduction after several weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Studies points to users may regain a significant portion within a year of discontinuing the treatment, because their normal food cravings return.
To be above a healthy weight elevates your chance for developing medical conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers.
Obesity impacts people in countries worldwide and was responsible for 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
