Fewer than a tenth of individuals who could benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy are able to get them, warns the WHO as it issues its first recommendations on the medications.
Given more than one billion people worldwide now living with obesity, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.
Based on estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The new guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be managed with holistic and ongoing treatment," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are key barriers to widespread availability to the injections that can aid individuals in losing substantial weight, says the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even in the present most optimistic case, the production of such drugs might only reach approximately 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, as stated by the WHO.
The guideline calls on nations and manufacturers to increase availability, via approaches including patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Drugs Work
These medications imitate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so users reduce food intake.
Patients commonly see weight reduction in the initial weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Research points to users may put most of the weight back on a year later of discontinuing the medication, because their normal food cravings come back.
To be carrying excess weight raises your chance for developing health problems, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific malignancies.
Excess weight affects people in every country and was linked to over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
