Fewer than one in 10 individuals that would benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy can access them, states the World Health Organization as it publishes its inaugural advice on the therapies.
With in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently obese, it is calling for more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.
Per forecasts, over two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"The new guidance acknowledges that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with holistic and lifelong care," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are major barriers to widespread access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing considerable body mass, notes the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even in the present most optimistic case, the production of such drugs might only reach approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.
The guideline encourages nations and manufacturers to widen availability, through measures like licensing agreements.
The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the main ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Work
The injections imitate a natural hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so users consume fewer calories.
Individuals usually begin shedding pounds after several weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.
Studies points to users may regain a significant portion a year later of stopping the treatment, when their typical food cravings come back.
To be overweight or obese increases your risk for experiencing medical conditions, like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers.
Excess weight concerns individuals in every country and was responsible for 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
