Fewer than 10% of patients that would benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy are able to get them, caution the World Health Organization as it publishes its inaugural recommendations on the therapies.
With more than one billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.
Per forecasts, over two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The latest guidance recognises that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be addressed with comprehensive and continuous care," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are key barriers to universal availability to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing substantial weight, says the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity
Even under the current most optimistic scenario, the manufacturing of such drugs could only cover around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, according to the WHO.
The guideline encourages governments and firms to increase availability, via strategies like voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the primary ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Work
The injections replicate a biological compound to slow digestion, curb appetite and increase satiety so people reduce food intake.
Patients typically begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Evidence points to patients may see weight return a year later of halting the medication, as their usual hunger resume.
To be carrying excess weight increases your risk for developing medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and specific cancers.
Obesity affects individuals in all nations and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
