Fewer than 10% of people that would benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy can access them, warns the global health agency as it publishes its initial advice on the medications.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide now obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to this class of drugs.
Based on estimates, over two billion could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The latest guidance recognises that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be treated with comprehensive and ongoing care," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are key obstacles to widespread availability to the injections that can assist patients in reducing substantial body mass, explains the organization.
Skinny Jab Scarcity
Even under the current best projected case, the supply of GLP-1 therapies might only reach about 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, per the WHO.
The guideline urges countries and companies to increase availability, through approaches like patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the main component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Work
The injections replicate a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so users reduce food intake.
Individuals usually see weight reduction within a few weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.
Studies suggests users may see weight return within a year of discontinuing the treatment, because their typical hunger resume.
To be overweight or obese elevates your likelihood for contracting diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain cancers.
Excess weight concerns individuals in all nations and was responsible for over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
