Less than 10% of individuals who could benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy are able to get them, warns the global health agency as it publishes its first advice on the therapies.
Considering over a billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging increased and just access to this class of drugs.
Based on projections, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be managed with holistic and continuous treatment," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are significant obstacles to universal access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing substantial body mass, says the body.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even under the present most optimistic scenario, the production of such drugs would only suffice for around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, according to the health organization.
The guideline urges nations and manufacturers to increase access, via approaches like voluntary licensing.
A patent on the active ingredient – the main component of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in a number of countries in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Function
The injections mimick a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and increase satiety so people eat less.
Patients commonly see weight reduction in the initial weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Studies points to people may put most of the weight back on within a year of halting the drug, as their usual hunger come back.
Being overweight or obese increases your risk for contracting diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.
Obesity impacts people in all nations and was associated with 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
