Under 10% of individuals that would benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy have access to them, caution the global health agency as it publishes its initial guidance on the drugs.
Considering over a billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.
According to estimates, over two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidance recognises that obesity is a long-term condition that can be managed with comprehensive and continuous treatment," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are key obstacles to broad access to the injections that can help people shift significant weight, explains the agency.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Even under the current best projected case, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, per the health organization.
The guideline calls on countries and companies to widen access, via strategies such as licensing agreements.
The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Work
GLP-1 drugs mimick a biological compound to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and boost feelings of fullness so individuals eat less.
People commonly begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Research suggests patients may see weight return within a year of discontinuing the drug, when their typical food cravings return.
To be overweight or obese raises your likelihood for experiencing health problems, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight impacts individuals in every country and was responsible for millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
