Less than 10% of people that would benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy are able to get them, caution the WHO as it publishes its inaugural guidance on the drugs.
Considering more than one billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer availability to this class of drugs.
According to projections, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidelines affirms that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong care," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are key barriers to widespread availability to the treatments that can help people shift significant body mass, notes the body.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Even under the present most optimistic outlook, the production of such drugs might only reach around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, as stated by the WHO.
The advice calls on countries and companies to increase availability, by approaches like licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the core ingredient of a leading brand – is set to lapse in several countries in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Operate
These medications imitate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and enhance the sense of being full so individuals reduce food intake.
Individuals typically begin shedding pounds after several weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Studies indicates patients may see weight return within a year of halting the drug, because their usual appetite resume.
Being carrying excess weight increases your likelihood for experiencing diseases, like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers.
Obesity impacts individuals in all nations and was linked to over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
