Fewer than 10% of people that would benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy can access them, states the World Health Organization as it releases its inaugural advice on the therapies.
Considering more than one billion individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is advocating for broader and more equitable availability to this class of drugs.
Per projections, more than two billion will be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidelines recognises that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be managed with comprehensive and continuous support," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are significant barriers to widespread access to the jabs that can help people shift considerable weight, explains the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even under the present most favorable scenario, the supply of such drugs might only reach approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, as stated by the WHO.
The recommendation calls on nations and manufacturers to widen availability, via approaches including patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the main component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Injections Function
These medications replicate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and boost feelings of fullness so people eat less.
Patients typically begin shedding pounds after several weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Research suggests patients may see weight return after a year of halting the drug, because their typical appetite return.
To be overweight or obese raises your chance for developing health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific malignancies.
Excess weight affects people in countries worldwide and was responsible for 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
