Under a tenth of individuals who could benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy have access to them, warns the World Health Organization as it issues its first advice on the medications.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is calling for more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.
Based on forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidance recognises that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be treated with comprehensive and ongoing support," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are significant hurdles to broad access to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing significant weight, explains the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even in the current most optimistic scenario, the supply of such drugs would only suffice for about 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, per the WHO.
The advice urges nations and manufacturers to expand access, via approaches like voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the main component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is set to lapse in several countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Drugs Work
The injections imitate a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so users consume fewer calories.
Patients commonly see weight reduction in the initial weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Research suggests people may put most of the weight back on after a year of halting the drug, because their typical appetite return.
To be carrying excess weight increases your likelihood for developing medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers.
Excess weight concerns individuals in all nations and was responsible for over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
