Fewer than 10% of people who could benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy can access them, caution the global health agency as it publishes its initial guidance on the medications.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable availability to GLP-1 medication.
Based on estimates, over two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidance affirms that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be managed with holistic and lifelong support," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are key barriers to broad access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing considerable weight, notes the agency.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even in the present best projected scenario, the production of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, according to the WHO.
The guideline calls on countries and companies to widen availability, via measures like patent sharing.
A patent on semaglutide – the main ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Function
The injections mimick a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and increase satiety so people consume fewer calories.
Patients typically start to lose weight after several weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Evidence suggests users may regain a significant portion within a year of discontinuing the medication, because their typical hunger come back.
To be overweight or obese elevates your risk for developing health problems, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain cancers.
Obesity affects individuals in all nations and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
