Under 10% of patients that would benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy are able to get them, states the World Health Organization as it releases its initial recommendations on the drugs.
Given over a billion individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging broader and more equitable availability to these injectable treatments.
According to estimates, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidance acknowledges that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be treated with holistic and continuous treatment," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are significant hurdles to universal access to the jabs that can help people shift considerable body mass, explains the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even under the current most optimistic case, the manufacturing of such drugs would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, per the WHO.
The recommendation calls on nations and manufacturers to widen access, via approaches including voluntary licensing.
A patent on a key compound – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in several nations in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Injections Work
The injections mimick a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and enhance satiety so people eat less.
People typically start to lose weight within a few weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Research indicates patients may see weight return within a year of halting the medication, as their normal appetite return.
To be above a healthy weight raises your likelihood for experiencing diseases, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.
Excess weight affects individuals in every country and was associated with millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
