Fewer than one in 10 individuals eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy have access to them, states the World Health Organization as it releases its first advice on the drugs.
Given over a billion individuals worldwide currently 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 new guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be treated with thorough and lifelong treatment," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are major obstacles to broad availability to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing considerable weight, says the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even under the current most favorable case, the supply of these medications might only reach around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the WHO.
The recommendation urges governments and firms to increase access, via strategies including patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the main component of a leading brand – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Operate
The injections replicate a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and boost satiety so users eat less.
Individuals typically start to lose weight within a few weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Studies points to users may regain a significant portion a year later of halting the drug, as their usual hunger return.
To be overweight or obese elevates your likelihood for contracting health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and some cancers.
Excess weight affects individuals in all nations and was linked to millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
