Under 10% of patients who could benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy are able to get them, warns the WHO as it publishes its first advice on the therapies.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently obese, it is urging broader and more equitable access to this class of drugs.
Based on projections, more than two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidance recognises that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be managed with holistic and continuous treatment," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are major barriers to widespread availability to the injections that can help people shift significant body mass, notes the organization.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even under the current most favorable outlook, the supply of these medications could only cover about 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, per the health organization.
The recommendation calls on governments and firms to increase availability, via strategies such as patent sharing.
The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in several nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Work
GLP-1 drugs replicate a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and boost feelings of fullness so users eat less.
Individuals typically see weight reduction after several weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Evidence indicates people may put most of the weight back on within a year of discontinuing the treatment, as their usual appetite resume.
Being overweight or obese increases your chance for contracting diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some malignancies.
Obesity impacts people in every country and was linked to over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
