Fewer than 10% of individuals who could benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy are able to get them, warns the World Health Organization as it publishes its initial guidance on the therapies.
Given over a billion individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer availability to this class of drugs.
Per projections, more than two billion will be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The latest guidelines recognises that obesity is a long-term condition that can be managed with holistic and continuous treatment," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are significant barriers to widespread access to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing substantial weight, explains the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Despite the current most optimistic outlook, the manufacturing of such drugs would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, according to the health organization.
The guideline calls on nations and manufacturers to widen availability, through strategies such as patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the core ingredient of a leading brand – is set to lapse in several countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Function
The injections replicate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and enhance feelings of fullness so people consume fewer calories.
Individuals typically begin shedding pounds after several weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Studies suggests users may regain a significant portion a year later of halting the treatment, because their usual hunger return.
To be above a healthy weight increases your likelihood for contracting diseases, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and specific cancers.
Obesity affects people in every country and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
