Less than one in 10 patients who could benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy have access to them, warns the World Health Organization as it releases its first guidance on the medications.
Considering more than one billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is advocating for increased and just access to these injectable treatments.
Per forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The latest guidance affirms that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be managed with comprehensive and ongoing care," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are significant obstacles to universal access to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing considerable weight, says the agency.
Skinny Jab Scarcity
Even in the current best projected case, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies might only reach around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.
The advice encourages countries and companies to widen access, via strategies such as licensing agreements.
A patent on a key compound – the primary ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is set to lapse in several countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Function
These medications replicate a biological compound to slow digestion, reduce hunger and boost feelings of fullness so individuals consume fewer calories.
Individuals typically begin shedding pounds after several weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Evidence suggests users may regain a significant portion a year later of stopping the treatment, because their usual appetite return.
Being carrying excess weight raises your likelihood for experiencing diseases, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.
Obesity affects people in countries worldwide and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
