Less than 10% of individuals who could benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy are able to get them, states the WHO as it issues its inaugural advice on the medications.
With more than one billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging broader and more equitable availability to this class of drugs.
Based on forecasts, over two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"The new guidelines recognises that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be managed with holistic and ongoing support," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are significant hurdles to universal availability to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing substantial body mass, says the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Despite the current most optimistic case, the manufacturing of such drugs would only suffice for about 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, per the WHO.
The recommendation calls on countries and companies to widen access, through approaches such as licensing agreements.
A patent on semaglutide – the primary ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Work
The injections imitate a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and boost feelings of fullness so users consume fewer calories.
Individuals typically start to lose weight after several weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.
Evidence suggests people may regain a significant portion a year later of stopping the treatment, as their usual appetite return.
To be carrying excess weight increases your likelihood for experiencing diseases, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers.
Obesity impacts individuals in all nations and was responsible for 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
