Less than one in 10 individuals that would benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy can access them, caution the global health agency as it releases its first recommendations on the drugs.
Considering more than one billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is calling for more widespread and fairer availability to these injectable treatments.
Per forecasts, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The latest guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be addressed with comprehensive and lifelong care," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are significant barriers to widespread availability to the injections that can aid individuals in losing considerable body mass, says the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even under the current most favorable outlook, the manufacturing of such drugs could only cover around 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the health organization.
The guideline urges countries and companies to increase availability, through approaches such as licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the main ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is set to lapse in a number of nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Operate
The injections replicate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and boost feelings of fullness so people reduce food intake.
People typically see weight reduction in the initial weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Evidence suggests people may see weight return a year later of discontinuing the medication, as their normal hunger return.
To be above a healthy weight raises your chance for experiencing health problems, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.
Excess weight impacts people in every country and was responsible for millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
