Under one in 10 individuals who could benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy are able to get them, states the global health agency as it publishes its first guidance on the therapies.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide now obese, it is urging broader and more equitable availability to these injectable treatments.
Per forecasts, more than two billion will be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidance acknowledges that obesity is a long-term condition that can be managed with thorough and continuous care," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are key hurdles to broad access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing substantial weight, notes the organization.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even under the current most optimistic outlook, the supply of these medications would only suffice for around 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, per the WHO.
The guideline urges nations and manufacturers to increase access, by measures like patent sharing.
A patent on semaglutide – the main component of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in a number of countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Jabs Function
These medications replicate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and enhance the sense of being full so individuals eat less.
Individuals usually begin shedding pounds after several weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Studies suggests patients may regain a significant portion within a year of discontinuing the treatment, because their typical food cravings resume.
To be above a healthy weight elevates your risk for contracting health problems, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and some cancers.
Obesity affects individuals in every country and was responsible for millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
