Less than 10% of individuals who could benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy have access to them, states the WHO as it publishes its inaugural recommendations on the therapies.
Considering more than one billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is urging broader and more equitable availability to these injectable treatments.
Per forecasts, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be treated with thorough and lifelong support," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are key barriers to broad access to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, says the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even in the present most favorable case, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies could only cover approximately 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, as stated by the health organization.
The advice calls on governments and firms to widen availability, through approaches including voluntary licensing.
The intellectual property rights on a key compound – the main ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Work
These medications imitate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness so individuals consume fewer calories.
People usually see weight reduction after several weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Research indicates people may put most of the weight back on within a year of stopping the treatment, when their normal appetite resume.
To be carrying excess weight raises your risk for developing health problems, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific malignancies.
Excess weight impacts individuals in every country and was linked to 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
