Fewer than 10% of individuals eligible to benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy have access to them, states the global health agency as it publishes its first recommendations on the drugs.
With over a billion people worldwide now living with obesity, it is advocating for broader and more equitable availability to this class of drugs.
Based on estimates, over two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidance affirms that obesity is a long-term condition that can be treated with holistic and continuous support," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are major barriers to broad availability to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing substantial weight, explains the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity
Despite the current most favorable outlook, the production of such drugs would only suffice for about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, per the WHO.
The guideline urges governments and firms to increase availability, through strategies like licensing agreements.
A patent on a key compound – the core component of a leading brand – is due to expire in a number of nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Function
The injections mimick a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and enhance satiety so people eat less.
Individuals commonly begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Studies suggests people may regain a significant portion a year later of halting the drug, because their normal appetite return.
Being overweight or obese elevates your likelihood for developing diseases, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some malignancies.
Excess weight affects individuals in every country and was linked to over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
