Less than 10% of people who could benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy are able to get them, states the global health agency as it releases its initial advice on the therapies.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide now living with obesity, it is calling for more widespread and fairer access to this class of drugs.
According to forecasts, over two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidance acknowledges that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be managed with thorough and ongoing support," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are significant barriers to widespread availability to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing significant body mass, explains the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Despite the current most optimistic scenario, the manufacturing of such drugs could only cover around 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, per the WHO.
The guideline calls on countries and companies to expand access, by measures such as patent sharing.
A patent on a key compound – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in several nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Function
These medications mimick a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and boost satiety so individuals consume fewer calories.
Individuals typically start to lose weight in the initial weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Research suggests people may regain a significant portion after a year of discontinuing the medication, as their usual appetite return.
Being overweight or obese increases your chance for contracting medical conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some malignancies.
Excess weight impacts people in countries worldwide and was responsible for millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
