Under 10% of people who could benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy have access to them, states the World Health Organization as it releases its initial guidance on the medications.
Considering more than one billion people worldwide now living with obesity, it is urging more widespread and fairer availability to GLP-1 medication.
Per forecasts, over two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidance acknowledges that obesity is a long-term condition that can be treated with comprehensive and ongoing care," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are key hurdles to universal access to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing considerable weight, notes the body.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Despite the current most optimistic outlook, the production of these medications would only suffice for about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the WHO.
The guideline encourages governments and firms to increase access, through measures such as voluntary licensing.
A patent on semaglutide – the core ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Function
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and enhance satiety so users eat less.
Patients commonly begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Studies points to patients may see weight return after a year of stopping the drug, as their usual hunger come back.
Being overweight or obese elevates your likelihood for experiencing medical conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.
Excess weight affects individuals in every country and was responsible for 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
