Less than one in 10 people that would benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy have access to them, warns the WHO as it issues its initial guidance on the drugs.
Given more than one billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging broader and more equitable access to these injectable treatments.
Based on forecasts, over two billion will be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidelines recognises that obesity is a chronic disease that can be managed with thorough and continuous treatment," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are key barriers to widespread access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing substantial weight, says the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Despite the present most optimistic case, the manufacturing of such drugs might only reach about 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, according to the WHO.
The advice calls on nations and manufacturers to increase availability, through measures such as licensing agreements.
A patent on a key compound – the main ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is set to lapse in several nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Operate
The injections replicate a natural hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and increase satiety so users reduce food intake.
Individuals typically start to lose weight within a few weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Studies points to patients may regain a significant portion after a year of discontinuing the medication, because their usual hunger resume.
To be carrying excess weight raises your likelihood for developing health problems, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight concerns individuals in every country and was linked to 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
