Under a tenth of people who could benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy have access to them, warns the global health agency as it publishes its inaugural guidance on the drugs.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide now living with obesity, it is calling for increased and just availability to these injectable treatments.
According to estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidance acknowledges that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive and continuous care," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are key barriers to universal access to the injections that can help people shift significant weight, notes the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity
Despite the present most optimistic case, the production of these medications could only cover around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the WHO.
The guideline urges countries and companies to increase access, via strategies such as licensing agreements.
A patent on a key compound – the main ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is set to lapse in a number of nations in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Operate
These medications imitate a biological compound to slow digestion, curb appetite and increase feelings of fullness so individuals reduce food intake.
Individuals commonly see weight reduction in the initial weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.
Evidence points to users may see weight return a year later of discontinuing the medication, as their typical appetite come back.
To be overweight or obese increases your likelihood for contracting health problems, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.
Excess weight affects individuals in countries worldwide and was responsible for over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
