Under 10% of patients who could benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy can access them, caution the WHO as it releases its initial recommendations on the medications.
Considering more than one billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is calling for more widespread and fairer access to this class of drugs.
Based on forecasts, over two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The latest guidelines affirms that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with holistic and continuous treatment," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are significant barriers to widespread availability to the treatments that can help people shift substantial weight, says the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even in the current best projected scenario, the supply of these medications might only reach around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, according to the health organization.
The guideline encourages nations and manufacturers to expand access, via strategies including licensing agreements.
The intellectual property rights on a key compound – the primary component of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in multiple nations in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Drugs Operate
These medications mimick a biological compound to slow digestion, reduce hunger and enhance satiety so individuals consume fewer calories.
Individuals commonly begin shedding pounds after several weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Evidence suggests people may regain a significant portion after a year of stopping the treatment, because their typical appetite come back.
Being above a healthy weight increases your risk for experiencing health problems, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some cancers.
Excess weight affects individuals in all nations and was linked to 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
