Under one in 10 people eligible to benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy are able to get them, warns the global health agency as it releases its initial guidance on the drugs.
Considering over a billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is urging increased and just access to these injectable treatments.
Per estimates, more than two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidance affirms that obesity is a chronic disease that can be managed with thorough and lifelong treatment," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are major hurdles to universal access to the jabs that can help people shift substantial weight, says the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even under the current most optimistic outlook, the supply of these medications could only cover around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the WHO.
The recommendation urges nations and manufacturers to increase access, by approaches like licensing agreements.
A patent on the active ingredient – the main component of a leading brand – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Function
The injections mimick a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and boost the sense of being full so people reduce food intake.
Individuals commonly begin shedding pounds after several weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Evidence suggests users may put most of the weight back on a year later of stopping the medication, as their usual appetite return.
To be above a healthy weight raises your likelihood for developing medical conditions, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and specific malignancies.
Obesity concerns people in countries worldwide and was responsible for millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
