Under one in 10 people that would benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy are able to get them, caution the WHO as it releases its inaugural recommendations on the therapies.
With more than one billion people worldwide now obese, it is calling for more widespread and fairer access to this class of drugs.
Based on forecasts, over two billion could be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"The latest guidance acknowledges that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with comprehensive and lifelong support," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are major hurdles to widespread access to the treatments that can help people shift substantial weight, explains the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even under the current best projected outlook, the supply of these medications might only reach about 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, per the WHO.
The recommendation calls on countries and companies to expand availability, via measures such as licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the main component of a leading brand – is set to lapse in multiple nations in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Injections Function
The injections mimick a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and boost satiety so individuals reduce food intake.
Individuals typically see weight reduction in the initial weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Research suggests patients may regain a significant portion within a year of halting the treatment, because their typical food cravings resume.
To be above a healthy weight increases your chance for experiencing diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.
Excess weight impacts individuals in every country and was associated with over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
