Fewer than a tenth of individuals who could benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy have access to them, states the WHO as it releases its inaugural guidance on the medications.
With in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide now living with obesity, it is advocating for broader and more equitable access to these injectable treatments.
According to estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidelines recognises that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with holistic and lifelong treatment," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are major obstacles to widespread availability to the treatments that can help people shift significant weight, says the agency.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Even in the current most optimistic scenario, the production of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, per the WHO.
The guideline encourages countries and companies to increase access, by measures such as voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the core component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in a number of nations in 2026.
How Obesity Drugs Function
These medications mimick a natural hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and increase satiety so individuals consume fewer calories.
People typically start to lose weight after several weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Studies indicates users may regain a significant portion after a year of halting the medication, as their typical appetite resume.
To be above a healthy weight elevates your risk for developing medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and some malignancies.
Excess weight concerns individuals in all nations and was linked to over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
