Less than 10% of patients who could benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy are able to get them, warns the WHO as it issues its first advice on the drugs.
Considering more than one billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.
Based on estimates, more than two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The latest guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with holistic and ongoing treatment," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are key barriers to widespread access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing substantial body mass, says the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Despite the current most optimistic outlook, the manufacturing of such drugs might only reach around 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, according to the health organization.
The guideline calls on countries and companies to increase availability, by strategies like voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the primary component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Injections Work
GLP-1 drugs mimick a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness so users eat less.
People usually see weight reduction within a few weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Evidence indicates patients may regain a significant portion within a year of stopping the medication, because their normal food cravings come back.
Being above a healthy weight increases your likelihood for developing medical conditions, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and specific cancers.
Excess weight concerns individuals in every country and was linked to millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
