Fewer than a tenth of people that would benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy have access to them, caution the global health agency as it releases its inaugural guidance on the therapies.
With more than one billion people worldwide now obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable access to these injectable treatments.
Based on projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"Our latest guidance affirms that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be addressed with thorough and ongoing support," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are major obstacles to universal availability to the jabs that can help people shift considerable body mass, notes the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even in the present most favorable scenario, the supply of such drugs could only cover approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, per the health organization.
The recommendation calls on countries and companies to expand access, via strategies like licensing agreements.
The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the main component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Function
The injections mimick a biological compound to slow digestion, curb appetite and increase satiety so individuals consume fewer calories.
Individuals usually see weight reduction after several weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Studies suggests users may see weight return a year later of discontinuing the treatment, when their usual food cravings return.
To be overweight or obese raises your chance for developing health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.
Obesity affects individuals in all nations and was linked to millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.