Less than 10% of individuals that would benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy are able to get them, states the WHO as it releases its first guidance on the therapies.
Given over a billion people worldwide currently obese, it is urging broader and more equitable availability to this class of drugs.
Based on estimates, more than two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidance affirms that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be managed with thorough and ongoing support," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are key hurdles to widespread access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing considerable weight, notes the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity
Even in the present most favorable scenario, the supply of these medications could only cover approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the WHO.
The recommendation urges nations and manufacturers to widen access, by strategies including voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the primary component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Function
These medications imitate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and enhance satiety so people consume fewer calories.
Individuals typically see weight reduction in the initial weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Research suggests people may put most of the weight back on a year later of discontinuing the medication, because their usual hunger come back.
Being overweight or obese increases your risk for experiencing medical conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific cancers.
Obesity impacts people in all nations and was linked to millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
