Under 10% of people eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy have access to them, states the World Health Organization as it publishes its inaugural advice on the drugs.
Considering more than one billion people worldwide now obese, it is urging increased and just access to these injectable treatments.
According to estimates, more than two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The latest guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a chronic disease that can be addressed with comprehensive and continuous care," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are major barriers to broad access to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing significant body mass, says the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Despite the current best projected case, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies might only reach around 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, per the WHO.
The guideline encourages nations and manufacturers to expand availability, by measures such as licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the primary component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Work
These medications replicate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and enhance the sense of being full so users reduce food intake.
People typically begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Studies suggests users may regain a significant portion a year later of halting the drug, because their typical food cravings return.
To be above a healthy weight raises your chance for developing medical conditions, like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some malignancies.
Excess weight impacts individuals in all nations and was responsible for 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
