Fewer than 10% of people who could benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy are able to get them, caution the World Health Organization as it issues its initial advice on the medications.
With over a billion individuals worldwide now living with obesity, it is calling for increased and just availability to these injectable treatments.
Per projections, over two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidance affirms that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with holistic and lifelong support," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are major obstacles to widespread availability to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing substantial weight, says the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even in the present most optimistic case, the production of these medications would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, as stated by the WHO.
The recommendation urges countries and companies to increase access, by approaches such as licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the core component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
How Obesity Drugs Work
These medications replicate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and increase the sense of being full so people consume fewer calories.
People typically see weight reduction within a few weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Research suggests people may see weight return a year later of stopping the drug, because their typical appetite return.
To be above a healthy weight increases your likelihood for experiencing health problems, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight concerns people in all nations and was associated with millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
