Fewer than a tenth of people that would benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy can access them, warns the WHO as it releases its inaugural guidance on the medications.
With more than one billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is urging broader and more equitable availability to GLP-1 medication.
Per estimates, over two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"The latest guidance acknowledges that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong support," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are significant barriers to universal access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing substantial weight, says the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity
Even under the current most favorable scenario, the manufacturing of such drugs would only suffice for about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the WHO.
The recommendation encourages countries and companies to expand availability, through approaches including licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the main component of a leading brand – is set to lapse in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Function
GLP-1 drugs mimick a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and increase feelings of fullness so individuals eat less.
Individuals typically begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Studies points to patients may see weight return within a year of discontinuing the treatment, as their normal hunger resume.
Being above a healthy weight elevates your risk for developing health problems, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific cancers.
Obesity concerns individuals in all nations and was responsible for over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
