Fewer than a tenth of people eligible to benefit from obesity jabs like Wegovy have access to them, warns the World Health Organization as it publishes its initial guidance on the medications.
Considering over a billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is calling for increased and just access to this class of drugs.
Per projections, over two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The latest guidance acknowledges that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with holistic and ongoing support," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are key hurdles to universal access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing significant body mass, notes the body.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Even in the current most favorable case, the supply of these medications might only reach around 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.
The recommendation encourages countries and companies to increase access, via strategies like licensing agreements.
A patent on semaglutide – the main component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Operate
GLP-1 drugs mimick a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and enhance satiety so people eat less.
People typically start to lose weight within a few weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Research indicates users may put most of the weight back on a year later of stopping the treatment, because their usual appetite resume.
To be carrying excess weight increases your likelihood for experiencing health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.
Obesity affects individuals in countries worldwide and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
