Under 10% of people eligible to benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy can access them, caution the World Health Organization as it issues its inaugural guidance on the drugs.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is urging increased and just availability to GLP-1 medication.
Per projections, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidance recognises that obesity is a long-term condition that can be managed with holistic and lifelong support," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are major barriers to widespread access to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing substantial weight, says the agency.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Despite the current most favorable case, the supply of such drugs would only suffice for about 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, according to the WHO.
The recommendation encourages countries and companies to expand access, by measures including patent sharing.
The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the main component of a leading brand – is set to lapse in several countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Function
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so people consume fewer calories.
People typically see weight reduction after several weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.
Research points to users may regain a significant portion after a year of discontinuing the medication, because their typical hunger resume.
To be above a healthy weight elevates your risk for developing medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.
Excess weight impacts people in countries worldwide and was responsible for 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
