Under one in 10 people eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy have access to them, caution the World Health Organization as it publishes its first guidance on the drugs.
Considering more than one billion individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is advocating for broader and more equitable access to this class of drugs.
Per projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines affirms that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be managed with comprehensive and ongoing support," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are significant barriers to broad access to the treatments that can help people shift considerable weight, notes the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even under the present most optimistic case, the production of such drugs could only cover around 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, as stated by the health organization.
The advice encourages nations and manufacturers to expand access, by measures like voluntary licensing.
A patent on the active ingredient – the main component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Function
The injections replicate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and enhance feelings of fullness so individuals reduce food intake.
Individuals commonly see weight reduction after several weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Studies points to patients may regain a significant portion a year later of stopping the drug, because their usual food cravings come back.
Being carrying excess weight increases your likelihood for experiencing diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some cancers.
Obesity impacts people in countries worldwide and was responsible for 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
