Less than one in 10 individuals that would benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy have access to them, caution the WHO as it publishes its first guidance on the therapies.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently obese, it is advocating for broader and more equitable access to this class of drugs.
Based on estimates, more than two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"The latest guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be managed with thorough and lifelong care," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are significant hurdles to widespread availability to the jabs that can help people shift significant weight, explains the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even under the current most optimistic outlook, the manufacturing of such drugs might only reach about 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.
The advice encourages countries and companies to widen access, by strategies such as licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the primary ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is set to lapse in a number of countries in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Work
These medications replicate a biological compound to slow digestion, reduce hunger and enhance satiety so people eat less.
Individuals typically see weight reduction within a few weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Studies suggests people may see weight return after a year of halting the drug, because their typical food cravings resume.
Being carrying excess weight increases your likelihood for contracting health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain cancers.
Excess weight affects people in all nations and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
