Under 10% of individuals who could benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy have access to them, warns the global health agency as it publishes its first guidance on the therapies.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide now obese, it is urging broader and more equitable access to these injectable treatments.
Based on estimates, more than two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"The new guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with holistic and lifelong support," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are major hurdles to widespread availability to the treatments that can help people shift substantial weight, explains the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even in the current most favorable case, the supply of such drugs might only reach around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, per the WHO.
The guideline calls on nations and manufacturers to widen availability, by measures like voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the primary component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Work
The injections imitate a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and increase satiety so users consume fewer calories.
Patients commonly see weight reduction after several weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Studies indicates patients may regain a significant portion within a year of discontinuing the medication, as their normal food cravings return.
Being above a healthy weight elevates your chance for contracting diseases, like diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and specific cancers.
Excess weight impacts people in every country and was linked to millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
