Under a tenth of people that would benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy can access them, warns the World Health Organization as it issues its initial advice on the drugs.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.
According to forecasts, over two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines recognises that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong treatment," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are key barriers to widespread availability to the injections that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, explains the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even under the current most favorable scenario, the supply of such drugs would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, according to the WHO.
The recommendation encourages nations and manufacturers to widen access, by measures such as licensing agreements.
A patent on a key compound – the main component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is set to lapse in several countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Work
The injections replicate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness so individuals eat less.
Patients usually start to lose weight within a few weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Studies suggests people may see weight return after a year of stopping the medication, as their normal hunger come back.
To be overweight or obese elevates your risk for developing health problems, like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.
Excess weight impacts individuals in countries worldwide and was linked to over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
