Fewer than one in 10 individuals that would benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy have access to them, caution the global health agency as it releases its first recommendations on the medications.
With over a billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is urging broader and more equitable access to these injectable treatments.
Per forecasts, more than two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The latest guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with comprehensive and continuous support," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are major hurdles to universal access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing significant body mass, says the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity
Even under the present most optimistic outlook, the supply of such drugs would only suffice for around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, according to the WHO.
The guideline urges nations and manufacturers to increase access, by measures including voluntary licensing.
A patent on a key compound – the primary component of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in a number of countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Injections Function
These medications mimick a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and boost feelings of fullness so people reduce food intake.
People typically see weight reduction after several weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Research suggests patients may put most of the weight back on within a year of halting the treatment, when their usual appetite return.
Being carrying excess weight increases your risk for experiencing diseases, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight affects individuals in countries worldwide and was linked to millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
