Less than a tenth of patients that would benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy can access them, caution the global health agency as it releases its inaugural advice on the medications.
With over a billion individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is advocating for broader and more equitable access to this class of drugs.
Based on projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be treated with holistic and ongoing support," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are key hurdles to broad availability to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing significant weight, notes the body.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even in the current most optimistic case, the manufacturing of these medications might only reach about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, according to the WHO.
The guideline encourages governments and firms to expand availability, via strategies like voluntary licensing.
A patent on the active ingredient – the primary ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Function
The injections replicate a natural hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so individuals eat less.
Individuals typically see weight reduction in the initial weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.
Studies suggests users may see weight return a year later of discontinuing the medication, when their typical hunger resume.
To be overweight or obese raises your likelihood for experiencing health problems, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific cancers.
Obesity impacts people in all nations and was responsible for millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
