The rising global demand for weight-loss medications-including Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro-is prompting new guidance from the World Health Organization. While these drugs show promise in addressing increasing rates of obesity and related health concerns, access remains uneven, and a black market has emerged to meet demand. This report examines the WHO’s recent recommendations for appropriate use, and the ethical questions surrounding equitable access to these increasingly sought-after pharmaceuticals, featuring analysis from leading health experts and investigative reporting on the illicit trade.
Weight-loss medications have become a global phenomenon, with drugs like Ozempic leading the way, but also Wegovy and Mounjaro gaining increasing attention. As rates of overweight and obesity continue to rise, so too do eating disorders, weight stigma, and a focus on body image. Access to these medications – with a single month’s supply costing between 200 and 400 euros – is limited to those who can afford them, leading some to purchase them on the black market without a prescription or clinical need.
Amidst this surge in demand, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recently published guidance outlining appropriate use of these drugs. The WHO already classified them as essential for individuals with diabetes, and is now expanding that recommendation to include cases of obesity. The organization isn’t rejecting these medications outright, recognizing they can be a useful tool for some, but stresses they aren’t a universal solution and should never be used as a standalone treatment without medical supervision. The WHO also cautions that access shouldn’t be restricted to those with the financial means to pay. This guidance comes as equitable access to healthcare remains a critical public health concern.
The discussion features insights from Mario Fontán, a social epidemiologist and advisor to the State Secretariat of the Ministry of Health, and Lucía Franco, a journalist who has investigated the black market for weight-loss drugs and shares firsthand accounts from sellers.
CRÉDITOS
Diseño de sonido: Nicolás Tsabertidis
Dirige: Ana Alonso
Edición: Ana Ribera
Sintonía: Jorge Magaz
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