Fewer than 10% of patients eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy have access to them, caution the WHO as it issues its first advice on the drugs.
Considering over a billion individuals worldwide now obese, it is urging increased and just access to these injectable treatments.
According to forecasts, over two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidance acknowledges that obesity is a chronic disease that can be managed with thorough and continuous treatment," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are significant hurdles to widespread availability to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, explains the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even under the present best projected scenario, the supply of such drugs might only reach around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, per the health organization.
The advice encourages nations and manufacturers to widen access, by strategies like voluntary licensing.
A patent on a key compound – the core ingredient of a leading brand – is set to lapse in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Work
These medications imitate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and increase the sense of being full so users eat less.
Patients usually begin shedding pounds after several weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Research suggests users may regain a significant portion within a year of discontinuing the treatment, because their typical appetite resume.
To be overweight or obese increases your risk for experiencing health problems, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight affects individuals in all nations and was associated with 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
