Less than a tenth of people eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy can access them, caution the global health agency as it publishes its inaugural guidance on the drugs.
Considering more than one billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is urging increased and just access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on estimates, over two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"Our latest guidelines affirms that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be managed with comprehensive and ongoing treatment," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are major hurdles to widespread availability to the jabs that can help people shift substantial weight, says the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Even in the current most optimistic outlook, the supply of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, as stated by the health organization.
The recommendation encourages countries and companies to expand access, by approaches such as licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Injections Work
The injections imitate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and enhance the sense of being full so people reduce food intake.
Patients commonly begin shedding pounds after several weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Studies points to patients may regain a significant portion after a year of discontinuing the drug, because their usual appetite return.
Being carrying excess weight raises your chance for developing health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.
Excess weight affects individuals in all nations and was associated with millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
