Less than 10% of people eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy can access them, states the World Health Organization as it publishes its first recommendations on the medications.
Given over a billion individuals worldwide now living with obesity, it is calling for increased and just availability to these injectable treatments.
Per forecasts, over two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"The new guidance recognises that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with comprehensive and continuous support," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are significant hurdles to broad availability to the injections that can aid individuals in losing substantial weight, explains the organization.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Even under the current most favorable scenario, the production of GLP-1 therapies might only reach approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, according to the WHO.
The recommendation urges governments and firms to expand access, via approaches including licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the core component of a leading brand – is set to lapse in multiple nations in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Function
GLP-1 drugs imitate a biological compound to slow digestion, reduce hunger and boost satiety so individuals consume fewer calories.
People typically see weight reduction after several weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Evidence indicates patients may regain a significant portion after a year of stopping the medication, when their typical hunger return.
To be carrying excess weight increases your likelihood for experiencing health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific cancers.
Excess weight impacts individuals in every country and was associated with over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
