Less than 10% of people who could benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy have access to them, warns the World Health Organization as it releases its first advice on the therapies.
Given over a billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is calling for more widespread and fairer availability to this class of drugs.
Per projections, more than two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The new guidance recognises that obesity is a long-term condition that can be managed with thorough and continuous support," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are key hurdles to widespread access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing considerable body mass, notes the body.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Even in the current most favorable case, the manufacturing of such drugs would only suffice for about 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, as stated by the WHO.
The guideline urges governments and firms to expand availability, via strategies such as licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the main component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Operate
The injections mimick a natural hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and increase satiety so people eat less.
Individuals usually see weight reduction within a few weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Studies indicates users may put most of the weight back on within a year of discontinuing the treatment, as their normal hunger resume.
To be carrying excess weight increases your risk for experiencing health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers.
Obesity affects people in all nations and was linked to millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
