Fewer than a tenth of people who could benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy have access to them, warns the World Health Organization as it publishes its initial recommendations on the medications.
With over a billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer access to this class of drugs.
Based on forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidance recognises that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be treated with comprehensive and ongoing support," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are key hurdles to universal access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing considerable weight, notes the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even in the current most optimistic scenario, the supply of such drugs would only suffice for about 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, according to the WHO.
The guideline urges governments and firms to expand availability, by strategies such as voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the core component of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Function
GLP-1 drugs mimick a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and boost the sense of being full so people reduce food intake.
Patients usually begin shedding pounds after several weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Studies suggests users may see weight return after a year of stopping the drug, as their typical appetite come back.
Being above a healthy weight raises your chance for developing medical conditions, like diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and some cancers.
Excess weight impacts individuals in every country and was linked to over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
