Less than a tenth of individuals that would benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy can access them, caution the WHO as it issues its inaugural recommendations on the medications.
Given more than one billion individuals worldwide now living with obesity, it is advocating for broader and more equitable access to these injectable treatments.
Based on forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidelines recognises that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be treated with holistic and ongoing treatment," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are significant hurdles to broad access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing substantial weight, says the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even in the present most optimistic case, the supply of such drugs might only reach approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, per the WHO.
The recommendation calls on governments and firms to widen availability, by measures including voluntary licensing.
The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the core component of a leading brand – is set to lapse in several nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Function
The injections mimick a natural hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and increase satiety so individuals consume fewer calories.
People typically start to lose weight within a few weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Evidence suggests users may see weight return within a year of halting the treatment, as their normal appetite come back.
To be carrying excess weight elevates your risk for contracting health problems, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some cancers.
Excess weight affects individuals in all nations and was linked to 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
