Fewer than 10% of people who could benefit from obesity jabs like Wegovy have access to them, warns the World Health Organization as it publishes its first guidance on the therapies.
Considering over a billion people worldwide now obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable availability to these injectable treatments.
According to estimates, more than two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidance affirms that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with holistic and lifelong care," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are major obstacles to broad availability to the jabs that can help people shift considerable weight, notes the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Despite the current most optimistic outlook, the supply of these medications would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, per the WHO.
The recommendation urges countries and companies to widen access, through approaches such as voluntary licensing.
A patent on the active ingredient – the primary component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Function
These medications imitate a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and boost feelings of fullness so individuals consume fewer calories.
Patients typically start to lose weight within a few weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Studies points to patients may regain a significant portion after a year of discontinuing the drug, as their typical hunger return.
To be carrying excess weight raises your likelihood for developing health problems, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.
Excess weight concerns individuals in countries worldwide and was linked to over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
