Less than one in 10 people who could benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy have access to them, caution the global health agency as it issues its first guidance on the therapies.
Given more than one billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer availability to these injectable treatments.
Based on estimates, over two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidance affirms that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be addressed with holistic and ongoing support," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are key barriers to broad access to the treatments that can help people shift substantial weight, notes the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity
Even under the current best projected outlook, the supply of these medications might only reach approximately 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the WHO.
The recommendation urges countries and companies to widen availability, via strategies like voluntary licensing.
The intellectual property rights on a key compound – the main ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Work
The injections mimick a natural hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and enhance feelings of fullness so people eat less.
People usually start to lose weight in the initial weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Research indicates patients may put most of the weight back on a year later of stopping the drug, as their typical appetite come back.
To be overweight or obese elevates your likelihood for contracting health problems, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some cancers.
Obesity concerns people in all nations and was associated with over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
