Less than one in 10 individuals who could benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy have access to them, caution the global health agency as it issues its initial advice on the medications.
With over a billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable availability to these injectable treatments.
Based on forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will 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 holistic and ongoing support," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are key obstacles to widespread availability to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, notes the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even under the present best projected outlook, the manufacturing of these medications would only suffice for about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, as stated by the WHO.
The guideline calls on nations and manufacturers to expand access, by strategies like patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the core ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Operate
The injections imitate a biological compound to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and enhance the sense of being full so individuals reduce food intake.
People commonly begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Evidence suggests patients may see weight return after a year of discontinuing the medication, as their typical hunger resume.
To be overweight or obese elevates your likelihood for experiencing diseases, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and specific malignancies.
Excess weight impacts people in countries worldwide and was linked to millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
