Fewer than a tenth of patients who could benefit from obesity jabs like Wegovy have access to them, states the global health agency as it issues its first guidance on the medications.
Given over a billion individuals worldwide now obese, it is urging broader and more equitable access to these injectable treatments.
Per projections, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines affirms that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be managed with holistic and continuous support," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are key hurdles to widespread access to the jabs that can help people shift substantial weight, says the agency.
Skinny Jab Scarcity
Despite the current most optimistic outlook, the manufacturing of these medications would only suffice for about 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the WHO.
The guideline encourages governments and firms to increase access, by measures including licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the main ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is set to lapse in multiple nations in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Function
The injections mimick a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and increase feelings of fullness so users reduce food intake.
Individuals typically see weight reduction after several weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Evidence indicates patients may put most of the weight back on a year later of discontinuing the medication, when their usual hunger come back.
To be overweight or obese raises your risk for contracting health problems, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific cancers.
Excess weight impacts individuals in every country and was linked to millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
