Fewer than one in 10 patients eligible to benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy can access them, caution the World Health Organization as it issues its initial advice on the therapies.
Given more than one billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer availability to these injectable treatments.
According to forecasts, more than two billion will be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"Our latest guidance recognises that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be managed with holistic and continuous care," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are significant barriers to broad availability to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing considerable body mass, says the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even in the present best projected outlook, the supply of such drugs could only cover around 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.
The advice encourages countries and companies to expand access, through measures including licensing agreements.
A patent on the active ingredient – the main ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
How Obesity Drugs Operate
These medications mimick a biological compound to slow digestion, curb appetite and increase satiety so people eat less.
Individuals commonly see weight reduction after several weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Evidence suggests patients may see weight return after a year of discontinuing the medication, as their usual hunger resume.
To be above a healthy weight raises your chance for developing medical conditions, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight impacts individuals in countries worldwide and was linked to 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
