Less than one in 10 patients that would benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy are able to get them, warns the WHO as it issues its first advice on the medications.
Given over a billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is urging broader and more equitable access to these injectable treatments.
Per estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines affirms that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with thorough and lifelong treatment," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are major barriers to broad availability to the injections that can assist patients in reducing substantial weight, says the organization.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Even under the current most favorable outlook, the manufacturing of such drugs could only cover about 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the health organization.
The guideline calls on countries and companies to widen access, via approaches including patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the core component of a leading brand – is set to lapse in multiple nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Operate
The injections mimick a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and enhance feelings of fullness so users consume fewer calories.
People typically begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Research points to patients may regain a significant portion a year later of stopping the treatment, as their normal appetite come back.
To be above a healthy weight elevates your risk for developing medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.
Obesity affects people in countries worldwide and was linked to millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
