Less than a tenth of patients who could benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy can access them, caution the WHO as it publishes its inaugural recommendations on the drugs.
Considering over a billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for more widespread and fairer access to this class of drugs.
According to forecasts, over two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our latest guidance recognises that obesity is a long-term condition that can be managed with holistic and continuous care," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are key barriers to widespread availability to the jabs that can help people shift considerable body mass, notes the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even under the present most favorable case, the manufacturing of these medications could only cover around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the WHO.
The guideline urges nations and manufacturers to expand availability, via approaches including licensing agreements.
The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Function
These medications mimick a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and enhance satiety so users eat less.
People commonly see weight reduction within a few weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Studies suggests patients may put most of the weight back on a year later of discontinuing the medication, when their normal hunger resume.
To be overweight or obese raises your chance for experiencing medical conditions, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific malignancies.
Obesity affects individuals in all nations and was linked to over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
