Fewer than 10% of individuals who could benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy are able to get them, states the World Health Organization as it issues its inaugural advice on the drugs.
With more than one billion individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for increased and just access to these injectable treatments.
Based on estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidance affirms that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with thorough and continuous care," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are key hurdles to broad access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing significant body mass, explains the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Despite the current most favorable scenario, the manufacturing of such drugs would only suffice for around 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, according to the health organization.
The advice calls on nations and manufacturers to widen availability, through measures like patent sharing.
A patent on a key compound – the core component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Function
These medications replicate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and increase feelings of fullness so users consume fewer calories.
People commonly begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Studies suggests users may regain a significant portion after a year of discontinuing the treatment, when their normal food cravings return.
To be overweight or obese increases your likelihood for developing health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Obesity impacts individuals in countries worldwide and was linked to over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
