Under a tenth of individuals who could benefit from obesity jabs like Wegovy can access them, warns the global health agency as it releases its inaugural recommendations on the therapies.
With over a billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is urging broader and more equitable access to this class of drugs.
Based on estimates, more than two billion will be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidelines recognises that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with comprehensive and continuous support," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are major barriers to universal access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing significant body mass, notes the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even under the current most optimistic case, the production of such drugs might only reach approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the health organization.
The advice encourages countries and companies to increase availability, via measures such as voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the core component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Work
The injections imitate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so individuals eat less.
People commonly start to lose weight within a few weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Research suggests patients may see weight return after a year of discontinuing the medication, because their usual hunger resume.
To be carrying excess weight increases your risk for experiencing diseases, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific malignancies.
Excess weight concerns individuals in all nations and was associated with 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
