Under 10% of individuals that would benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy are able to get them, caution the World Health Organization as it releases its inaugural advice on the therapies.
With over a billion individuals worldwide now living with obesity, it is urging increased and just access to these injectable treatments.
Based on estimates, over two billion could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidelines recognises that obesity is a long-term condition that can be managed with holistic and lifelong treatment," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are key barriers to universal access to the injections that can help people shift significant weight, says the agency.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even in the current most favorable outlook, the supply of GLP-1 therapies might only reach approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the WHO.
The recommendation urges governments and firms to increase access, by approaches like licensing agreements.
The intellectual property rights on a key compound – the main ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Operate
The injections mimick a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and boost satiety so individuals reduce food intake.
Individuals usually begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Studies points to people may regain a significant portion after a year of stopping the medication, because their normal hunger resume.
Being above a healthy weight raises your risk for developing medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some cancers.
Excess weight affects individuals in every country and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
