Less than 10% of people that would benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy have access to them, warns the WHO as it releases its first advice on the therapies.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is calling for broader and more equitable availability to these injectable treatments.
According to forecasts, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidelines recognises that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be managed with holistic and ongoing care," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are major barriers to widespread access to the treatments that can help people shift substantial body mass, says the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even under the current best projected scenario, the manufacturing of these medications could only cover about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, according to the WHO.
The recommendation calls on nations and manufacturers to expand access, by approaches including patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the main component of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in a number of nations in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Operate
GLP-1 drugs replicate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and boost feelings of fullness so users consume fewer calories.
Patients commonly see weight reduction within a few weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Research indicates people may see weight return within a year of halting the medication, as their typical food cravings return.
To be overweight or obese raises your likelihood for experiencing health problems, like diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain cancers.
Obesity affects people in every country and was linked to millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
