Fewer than one in 10 patients that would benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy have access to them, warns the WHO as it releases its first recommendations on the therapies.
With more than one billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is advocating for broader and more equitable availability to these injectable treatments.
Based on estimates, more than two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be treated with thorough and continuous care," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are significant barriers to widespread access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing substantial weight, notes the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even under the current best projected case, the manufacturing of such drugs could only cover around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, per the WHO.
The advice urges nations and manufacturers to expand availability, by strategies like licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in a number of nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Work
These medications mimick a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so people eat less.
People commonly see weight reduction within a few weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Evidence points to people may see weight return after a year of halting the treatment, as their usual appetite come back.
Being overweight or obese elevates your likelihood for experiencing diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific cancers.
Obesity affects people in all nations and was associated with 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
