Under one in 10 individuals that would benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy are able to get them, caution the WHO as it issues its first advice on the drugs.
Considering more than one billion people worldwide now obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.
Based on projections, more than two billion will be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidance affirms that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with holistic and ongoing treatment," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are major obstacles to broad access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing significant weight, notes the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even under the current best projected scenario, the supply of such drugs would only suffice for about 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, according to the health organization.
The advice urges nations and manufacturers to widen access, by approaches like voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in multiple nations in 2026.
How Obesity Drugs Work
The injections imitate a natural hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and enhance satiety so users consume fewer calories.
Patients typically see weight reduction in the initial weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Evidence suggests patients may regain a significant portion after a year of halting the treatment, because their typical appetite resume.
To be carrying excess weight increases your chance for developing health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight concerns individuals in countries worldwide and was associated with millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
