Under one in 10 people who could benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy are able to get them, warns the World Health Organization as it releases its first guidance on the medications.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.
Based on projections, more than two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidance recognises that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be addressed with holistic and ongoing support," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are key barriers to widespread access to the treatments that can help people shift significant weight, says the body.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Despite the current most optimistic scenario, the supply of these medications would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, per the WHO.
The recommendation encourages governments and firms to expand access, by measures including licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the main component of a leading brand – is set to lapse in multiple nations in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Drugs Operate
GLP-1 drugs replicate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and enhance the sense of being full so users eat less.
Patients usually start to lose weight after several weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Evidence indicates users may put most of the weight back on within a year of halting the medication, as their normal food cravings return.
To be overweight or obese increases your chance for contracting health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.
Obesity concerns individuals in all nations and was linked to millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
