Under 10% of individuals who could benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy are able to get them, states the global health agency as it issues its initial advice on the therapies.
Considering over a billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is advocating for increased and just availability to these injectable treatments.
Per estimates, over two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The new guidance acknowledges that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with comprehensive and lifelong treatment," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are key barriers to widespread access to the injections that can help people shift considerable weight, notes the organization.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Despite the current most favorable outlook, the supply of such drugs might only reach about 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, as stated by the health organization.
The guideline encourages nations and manufacturers to expand access, through approaches such as patent sharing.
The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the core component of a leading brand – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Work
These medications imitate a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and increase satiety so users eat less.
People usually see weight reduction in the initial weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Evidence suggests people may see weight return a year later of stopping the drug, because their normal food cravings return.
To be above a healthy weight elevates your likelihood for contracting medical conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some cancers.
Obesity affects individuals in every country and was responsible for 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
