Fewer than one in 10 individuals that would benefit from obesity jabs like Wegovy are able to get them, states the WHO as it publishes its inaugural guidance on the therapies.
With over a billion individuals worldwide now obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable availability to these injectable treatments.
According to estimates, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidelines affirms that obesity is a long-term condition that can be treated with comprehensive and ongoing support," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are key hurdles to broad access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing considerable weight, explains the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even under the present most favorable outlook, the supply of such drugs could only cover about 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, according to the WHO.
The guideline calls on nations and manufacturers to expand access, via measures including licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the primary ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Function
The injections replicate a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so people reduce food intake.
Individuals commonly start to lose weight in the initial weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Research points to people may regain a significant portion a year later of stopping the drug, because their typical food cravings come back.
Being overweight or obese elevates your chance for contracting health problems, like diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and specific cancers.
Excess weight impacts individuals in all nations and was associated with millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
