Under a tenth of patients that would benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy are able to get them, warns the WHO as it releases its initial guidance on the medications.
Considering over a billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging increased and just availability to this class of drugs.
Based on forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"The new guidance affirms that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be treated with thorough and ongoing support," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are significant barriers to widespread access to the injections that can help people shift substantial weight, notes the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Despite the present best projected case, the supply of such drugs could only cover approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.
The recommendation encourages governments and firms to increase availability, via strategies including voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the core component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is set to lapse in several nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Operate
These medications mimick a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and boost the sense of being full so people consume fewer calories.
Individuals commonly see weight reduction after several weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Research indicates users may regain a significant portion after a year of halting the drug, as their normal hunger resume.
Being overweight or obese increases your likelihood for contracting medical conditions, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific malignancies.
Excess weight affects people in countries worldwide and was linked to over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
