Fewer than one in 10 individuals eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy have access to them, states the WHO as it releases its initial advice on the medications.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for increased and just availability to this class of drugs.
Based on estimates, more than two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be treated with holistic and ongoing support," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are major hurdles to universal availability to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing considerable body mass, explains the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even in the present most favorable outlook, the manufacturing of such drugs might only reach around 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, according to the health organization.
The advice calls on countries and companies to increase availability, by measures such as licensing agreements.
The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the primary component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in multiple nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Function
The injections mimick a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and increase feelings of fullness so people reduce food intake.
Patients commonly see weight reduction in the initial weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Research points to people may regain a significant portion after a year of halting the drug, because their normal hunger return.
To be carrying excess weight elevates your risk for contracting medical conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific malignancies.
Obesity impacts individuals in every country and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
