Fewer than one in 10 people that would benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy have access to them, warns the global health agency as it publishes its inaugural guidance on the medications.
Considering more than one billion individuals worldwide now obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable access to this class of drugs.
Per projections, more than two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidance affirms that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be treated with holistic and continuous support," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are major obstacles to universal availability to the injections that can aid individuals in losing significant body mass, explains the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Despite the current most optimistic outlook, the supply of such drugs could only cover approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, per the health organization.
The recommendation urges nations and manufacturers to increase availability, by measures including patent sharing.
The intellectual property rights on a key compound – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is set to lapse in multiple nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Operate
These medications mimick a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and enhance satiety so individuals consume fewer calories.
People usually see weight reduction within a few weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Studies suggests patients may see weight return a year later of halting the drug, as their typical food cravings return.
To be overweight or obese raises your likelihood for contracting medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain cancers.
Excess weight affects people in every country and was responsible for 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
