Under 10% of patients eligible to benefit from obesity jabs like Wegovy are able to get them, states the World Health Organization as it publishes its inaugural guidance on the medications.
Considering over a billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for increased and just access to these injectable treatments.
Per forecasts, over two billion could be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"Our latest guidelines affirms that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be addressed with thorough and lifelong support," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are key obstacles to universal access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing considerable body mass, explains the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Despite the present most optimistic outlook, the manufacturing of such drugs might only reach about 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, according to the WHO.
The advice urges nations and manufacturers to increase access, via strategies such as patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the primary component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Injections Function
The injections replicate a biological compound to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and increase feelings of fullness so users reduce food intake.
People commonly begin shedding pounds after several weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Research suggests patients may put most of the weight back on after a year of halting the medication, when their typical food cravings resume.
To be overweight or obese elevates your chance for developing diseases, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some malignancies.
Obesity affects people in every country and was responsible for millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
