Fewer than 10% of patients eligible to benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy are able to get them, caution the World Health Organization as it issues its first guidance on the drugs.
Considering over a billion individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is urging increased and just availability to this class of drugs.
Based on estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines affirms that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be addressed with comprehensive and ongoing treatment," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are key obstacles to widespread access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing considerable body mass, notes the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Despite the present most favorable outlook, the supply of such drugs might only reach around 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, per the health organization.
The recommendation calls on nations and manufacturers to expand access, by approaches such as licensing agreements.
The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the primary component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is set to lapse in a number of countries in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Function
These medications mimick a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and increase feelings of fullness so users consume fewer calories.
People typically see weight reduction after several weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.
Research indicates people may see weight return within a year of discontinuing the treatment, because their usual food cravings resume.
Being overweight or obese increases your risk for experiencing health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Obesity affects individuals in all nations and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.