Fewer than a tenth of individuals who could benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy have access to them, states the World Health Organization as it releases its inaugural advice on the therapies.
With more than one billion people worldwide now living with obesity, it is advocating for increased and just access to these injectable treatments.
Based on projections, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The latest guidelines affirms that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be treated with holistic and continuous care," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are key barriers to universal access to the treatments that can help people shift substantial body mass, notes the body.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even under the current most optimistic scenario, the production of GLP-1 therapies could only cover approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the WHO.
The advice urges nations and manufacturers to widen access, through approaches such as licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in several nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Operate
GLP-1 drugs replicate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and boost satiety so people reduce food intake.
Individuals usually see weight reduction in the initial weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Research indicates users may regain a significant portion a year later of discontinuing the drug, as their usual appetite come back.
To be overweight or obese elevates your chance for contracting diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some malignancies.
Obesity affects people in countries worldwide and was associated with millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
