Fewer than one in 10 people who could benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy are able to get them, caution the global health agency as it publishes its initial recommendations on the medications.
Considering more than one billion individuals worldwide now obese, it is calling for increased and just access to GLP-1 medication.
According to projections, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidance recognises that obesity is a long-term condition that can be treated with comprehensive and continuous care," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are significant barriers to universal availability to the treatments that can help people shift significant body mass, explains the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity
Even in the present best projected outlook, the supply of such drugs could only cover around 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, per the health organization.
The advice urges governments and firms to widen access, via approaches including patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the main component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of nations in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Function
The injections imitate a biological compound to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and increase satiety so users consume fewer calories.
Patients commonly see weight reduction in the initial weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Evidence suggests users may regain a significant portion a year later of stopping the medication, as their normal food cravings resume.
To be overweight or obese raises your chance for experiencing medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.
Excess weight affects individuals in all nations and was associated with over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
