Under one in 10 individuals eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy have access to them, caution the WHO as it publishes its initial guidance on the therapies.
Considering more than one billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is calling for increased and just availability to these injectable treatments.
Based on estimates, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidance recognises that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with holistic and continuous support," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are major obstacles to widespread access to the treatments that can help people shift considerable weight, notes the agency.
Skinny Jab Scarcity
Even under the current best projected case, the supply of these medications would only suffice for around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, per the health organization.
The advice urges governments and firms to expand availability, by approaches such as voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the primary ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in a number of nations in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Function
The injections replicate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and boost feelings of fullness so individuals consume fewer calories.
People commonly see weight reduction within a few weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Research suggests people may see weight return after a year of stopping the medication, when their usual hunger resume.
To be above a healthy weight raises your risk for experiencing diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and specific malignancies.
Excess weight affects people in all nations and was linked to 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
