Under 10% of patients who could benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy are able to get them, warns the WHO as it issues its first recommendations on the therapies.
Given over a billion individuals worldwide now obese, it is urging broader and more equitable availability to GLP-1 medication.
Based on projections, over two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidelines recognises that obesity is a long-term condition that can be managed with thorough and lifelong care," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are significant hurdles to universal access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing substantial weight, says the organization.
Skinny Jab Scarcity
Despite the present best projected outlook, the manufacturing of such drugs would only suffice for around 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, according to the WHO.
The advice calls on countries and companies to expand availability, through approaches like licensing agreements.
A patent on a key compound – the core component of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in a number of nations in 2026.
How Obesity Drugs Work
These medications imitate a biological compound to slow digestion, curb appetite and enhance satiety so users consume fewer calories.
Individuals usually start to lose weight in the initial weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Studies indicates patients may see weight return within a year of halting the drug, as their usual food cravings return.
Being above a healthy weight elevates your risk for developing diseases, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain cancers.
Obesity impacts individuals in countries worldwide and was associated with 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
