Under one in 10 individuals that would benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy can access them, warns the global health agency as it publishes its first advice on the drugs.
With more than one billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is urging broader and more equitable availability to these injectable treatments.
Based on forecasts, over two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidelines affirms that obesity is a long-term condition that can be treated with holistic and continuous care," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are key barriers to universal availability to the jabs that can help people shift significant body mass, says the agency.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Even in the current most optimistic outlook, the manufacturing of such drugs would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, as stated by the WHO.
The guideline encourages nations and manufacturers to expand availability, through strategies like voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the primary ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Operate
These medications mimick a body's own hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and increase satiety so users reduce food intake.
Individuals usually begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.
Research suggests users may regain a significant portion after a year of discontinuing the medication, because their typical appetite return.
To be carrying excess weight raises your chance for contracting diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and some malignancies.
Obesity affects individuals in every country and was linked to over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
