Under a tenth of patients that would benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy are able to get them, states the World Health Organization as it issues its inaugural guidance on the drugs.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide now obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on estimates, over two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a long-term condition that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong support," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are significant barriers to universal availability to the jabs that can help people shift substantial body mass, notes the organization.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Despite the current most optimistic case, the supply of these medications could only cover around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, according to the health organization.
The recommendation encourages governments and firms to increase availability, by measures like patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Work
These medications replicate a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and boost feelings of fullness so users eat less.
People usually start to lose weight after several weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Research points to patients may regain a significant portion after a year of discontinuing the medication, as their typical hunger return.
Being carrying excess weight elevates your risk for experiencing diseases, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and specific cancers.
Excess weight impacts individuals in countries worldwide and was responsible for millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
