Less than 10% of people who could benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy have access to them, states the WHO as it issues its initial advice on the drugs.
Considering more than one billion individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is calling for more widespread and fairer access to this class of drugs.
Based on forecasts, over two billion could be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The new guidance affirms that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with thorough and lifelong support," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are significant obstacles to broad access to the treatments that can help people shift substantial weight, explains the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity
Despite the current best projected scenario, the production of these medications could only cover about 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, per the health organization.
The advice encourages governments and firms to expand availability, by strategies such as licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the primary component of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in a number of nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Operate
These medications imitate a natural hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and enhance satiety so people eat less.
Individuals commonly see weight reduction after several weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.
Research points to patients may put most of the weight back on within a year of halting the treatment, as their usual appetite return.
Being above a healthy weight elevates your likelihood for developing medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific cancers.
Excess weight concerns people in countries worldwide and was associated with over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
