Less than one in 10 individuals who could benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy are able to get them, caution the WHO as it issues its inaugural recommendations on the drugs.
With in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer availability to this class of drugs.
According to estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The latest guidance affirms that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be addressed with holistic and continuous treatment," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are major barriers to widespread availability to the jabs that can help people shift substantial weight, says the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even under the present most optimistic outlook, the manufacturing of such drugs could only cover about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.
The guideline encourages nations and manufacturers to increase availability, by approaches such as voluntary licensing.
A patent on a key compound – the primary component of a leading brand – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Work
These medications mimick a biological compound to slow digestion, reduce hunger and enhance the sense of being full so individuals reduce food intake.
People typically begin shedding pounds after several weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Studies indicates patients may regain a significant portion a year later of discontinuing the treatment, when their normal appetite come back.
To be above a healthy weight increases your likelihood for developing medical conditions, like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers.
Excess weight affects individuals in countries worldwide and was associated with millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
