Under 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 initial advice on the therapies.
With over a billion individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable access to these injectable treatments.
Based on forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidance affirms that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be managed with holistic and continuous treatment," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are significant barriers to widespread access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing substantial weight, says the organization.
Skinny Jab Scarcity
Even in the present most optimistic scenario, the supply of such drugs would only suffice for around 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, per the WHO.
The guideline encourages governments and firms to widen access, through approaches like patent sharing.
The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the primary component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Drugs Work
The injections replicate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and enhance feelings of fullness so people reduce food intake.
People usually begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Studies indicates people may see weight return a year later of discontinuing the treatment, as their normal hunger return.
Being above a healthy weight raises your chance for developing medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific malignancies.
Obesity affects people in every country and was responsible for millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
