Under one in 10 people who could benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy are able to get them, warns the global health agency as it issues its inaugural advice on the medications.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide now obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer availability to these injectable treatments.
According to forecasts, over two billion will be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a chronic disease that can be addressed with comprehensive and continuous support," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are key barriers to broad access to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing considerable body mass, says the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even under the current most optimistic case, the production of these medications could only cover around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the WHO.
The recommendation urges countries and companies to increase access, through strategies including licensing agreements.
A patent on the active ingredient – the core component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Work
These medications mimick a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness so users consume fewer calories.
Individuals typically see weight reduction in the initial weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Evidence points to people may see weight return within a year of discontinuing the medication, as their typical appetite come back.
Being overweight or obese raises your risk for developing diseases, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Obesity concerns individuals in all nations and was responsible for millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
