Fewer than a tenth of individuals who could benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy have access to them, states the WHO as it publishes its initial guidance on the drugs.
Given more than one billion individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is advocating for increased and just access to this class of drugs.
Per forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidance recognises that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be treated with holistic and ongoing treatment," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are major obstacles to universal access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, notes the body.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Even in the present most optimistic outlook, the supply of these medications would only suffice for around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, per the health organization.
The guideline encourages nations and manufacturers to increase access, through measures including patent sharing.
The intellectual property rights on a key compound – the primary component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Function
The injections mimick a natural hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and enhance the sense of being full so individuals reduce food intake.
Patients usually begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Studies indicates people may regain a significant portion after a year of discontinuing the treatment, as their normal hunger return.
To be overweight or obese increases your risk for contracting health problems, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some cancers.
Excess weight impacts people in all nations and was linked to millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
