Less than a tenth of patients who could benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy can access them, states the global health agency as it releases its inaugural advice on the medications.
Given over a billion individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for increased and just availability to GLP-1 medication.
Based on estimates, over two billion will be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"The latest guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be addressed with holistic and continuous support," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are key obstacles to widespread access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing significant body mass, says the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even in the present best projected scenario, the production of these medications would only suffice for about 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, as stated by the health organization.
The advice urges nations and manufacturers to expand availability, via approaches such as voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the primary component of the drug Wegovy – is set to lapse in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Operate
These medications imitate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and boost the sense of being full so people consume fewer calories.
People typically see weight reduction after several weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Research suggests people may regain a significant portion after a year of discontinuing the medication, when their typical appetite return.
To be overweight or obese elevates your chance for experiencing diseases, like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight impacts people in countries worldwide and was linked to over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
