Fewer than a tenth of individuals who could benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy have access to them, states the WHO as it publishes its initial guidance on the medications.
Given more than one billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is calling for increased and just access to these injectable treatments.
Per projections, over two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The new guidance acknowledges that obesity is a chronic disease that can be managed with comprehensive and ongoing treatment," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are significant hurdles to broad access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing substantial body mass, explains the body.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Even under the current most favorable case, the production of such drugs might only reach around 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, according to the health organization.
The recommendation calls on governments and firms to increase access, via measures such as licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the core component of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in multiple countries in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Operate
GLP-1 drugs imitate a biological compound to slow digestion, reduce hunger and boost satiety so users consume fewer calories.
People commonly begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.
Research suggests users may put most of the weight back on after a year of halting the medication, because their normal appetite come back.
Being overweight or obese increases your risk for contracting health problems, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.
Obesity affects individuals in all nations and was associated with over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
