Under a tenth of patients eligible to benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy have access to them, warns the WHO as it releases its initial guidance on the therapies.
With more than one billion people worldwide now living with obesity, it is advocating for broader and more equitable availability to this class of drugs.
Per projections, over two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The latest guidance affirms that obesity is a long-term condition that can be managed with thorough and ongoing support," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are major obstacles to widespread availability to the jabs that can help people shift significant body mass, explains the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity
Even in the present best projected outlook, the manufacturing of such drugs might only reach approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, per the health organization.
The guideline calls on nations and manufacturers to expand availability, by approaches such as patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the core ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Operate
The injections mimick a body's own hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and enhance the sense of being full so users consume fewer calories.
People usually see weight reduction within a few weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Research points to patients may regain a significant portion after a year of discontinuing the treatment, when their usual hunger come back.
To be carrying excess weight elevates your risk for experiencing health problems, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.
Excess weight affects people in countries worldwide and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
