Fewer than one in 10 patients who could benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy have access to them, warns the World Health Organization as it issues its first recommendations on the therapies.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide now living with obesity, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer access to this class of drugs.
Per estimates, more than two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidance recognises that obesity is a chronic disease that can be managed with thorough and continuous care," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are major obstacles to widespread availability to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing significant weight, says the agency.
Skinny Jab Scarcity
Even under the present best projected scenario, the supply of such drugs could only cover around 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.
The recommendation urges nations and manufacturers to increase availability, through approaches such as licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the primary ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in a number of nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Function
These medications mimick a body's own hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and increase the sense of being full so people consume fewer calories.
Individuals commonly see weight reduction after several weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Research suggests patients may regain a significant portion after a year of discontinuing the treatment, when their usual appetite return.
Being overweight or obese raises your risk for contracting medical conditions, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some malignancies.
Obesity affects people in countries worldwide and was linked to over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
