Fewer than one in 10 patients eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy are able to get them, caution the global health agency as it publishes its initial advice on the therapies.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently obese, it is urging increased and just access to these injectable treatments.
Per estimates, over two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be treated with thorough and lifelong support," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are major hurdles to broad availability to the injections that can aid individuals in losing considerable body mass, explains the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity
Despite the current most favorable case, the supply of such drugs would only suffice for around 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, according to the WHO.
The advice calls on countries and companies to widen availability, via measures like voluntary licensing.
A patent on a key compound – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Work
The injections mimick a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and increase feelings of fullness so users reduce food intake.
Individuals usually see weight reduction within a few weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Studies indicates users may regain a significant portion a year later of stopping the drug, as their usual hunger come back.
Being carrying excess weight raises your likelihood for contracting medical conditions, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific malignancies.
Excess weight impacts people in all nations and was linked to millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
