Under a tenth of individuals who could benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy are able to get them, caution the WHO as it publishes its first advice on the drugs.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently obese, it is advocating for broader and more equitable access to these injectable treatments.
Per forecasts, over two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidance recognises that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong care," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are key barriers to widespread access to the treatments that can help people shift substantial weight, says the agency.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even in the present most optimistic scenario, the supply of these medications could only cover approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, according to the health organization.
The recommendation urges countries and companies to expand access, via approaches including licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the core ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is set to lapse in a number of nations in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Drugs Function
GLP-1 drugs mimick a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and boost feelings of fullness so users reduce food intake.
Individuals typically begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Research suggests users may regain a significant portion after a year of halting the treatment, because their usual appetite return.
To be above a healthy weight elevates your chance for contracting health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers.
Excess weight impacts people in every country and was associated with 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
