Fewer than a tenth of individuals eligible to benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy are able to get them, warns the global health agency as it issues its initial recommendations on the drugs.
With in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently obese, it is urging broader and more equitable access to these injectable treatments.
Per forecasts, over two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The latest guidance affirms that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be managed with thorough and ongoing support," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are significant barriers to widespread availability to the injections that can assist patients in reducing substantial weight, explains the agency.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Even in the current most optimistic outlook, the supply of such drugs would only suffice for around 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, according to the health organization.
The recommendation encourages nations and manufacturers to increase availability, by measures such as licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is set to lapse in several nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Operate
These medications replicate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and enhance feelings of fullness so users eat less.
Individuals commonly see weight reduction in the initial weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Research indicates patients may put most of the weight back on after a year of halting the medication, as their normal food cravings come back.
To be overweight or obese elevates your likelihood for experiencing diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and specific malignancies.
Obesity concerns individuals in countries worldwide and was linked to 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
