Under 10% of individuals eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy have access to them, states the WHO as it releases its inaugural advice on the drugs.
Given more than one billion individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is urging increased and just access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on estimates, over two billion could be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a chronic disease that can be addressed with comprehensive and continuous support," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are key hurdles to widespread availability to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing substantial body mass, says the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Even in the current best projected scenario, the production of such drugs would only suffice for about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, according to the health organization.
The recommendation encourages countries and companies to expand access, through measures like voluntary licensing.
A patent on a key compound – the main component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Function
These medications imitate a biological compound to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and boost satiety so users consume fewer calories.
Individuals usually begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Evidence suggests users may see weight return within a year of stopping the treatment, because their normal hunger resume.
To be above a healthy weight raises your likelihood for contracting diseases, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.
Excess weight affects individuals in every country and was associated with 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
