Fewer than one in 10 people that would benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy have access to them, states the World Health Organization as it issues its inaugural advice on the medications.
Given over a billion individuals worldwide now living with obesity, it is advocating for increased and just access to these injectable treatments.
According to projections, more than two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"Our latest guidance affirms that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with comprehensive and lifelong care," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are key obstacles to widespread access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing significant weight, says the agency.
Skinny Jab Scarcity
Even under the current best projected scenario, the manufacturing of such drugs could only cover approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, per the health organization.
The guideline calls on nations and manufacturers to increase availability, via strategies such as patent sharing.
A patent on a key compound – the main component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is set to lapse in several countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Function
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and increase satiety so users consume fewer calories.
People commonly see weight reduction after several weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Research points to people may put most of the weight back on after a year of discontinuing the treatment, because their typical appetite resume.
To be overweight or obese elevates your chance for experiencing diseases, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.
Obesity affects people in every country and was responsible for 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.