Fewer than 10% of people eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy are able to get them, caution the global health agency as it publishes its inaugural advice on the drugs.
With more than one billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is advocating for broader and more equitable access to this class of drugs.
Per estimates, over two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"The latest guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be treated with thorough and continuous support," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are significant obstacles to widespread access to the jabs that can help people shift substantial body mass, explains the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Despite the present best projected case, the supply of these medications could only cover around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, per the WHO.
The recommendation calls on nations and manufacturers to expand availability, by approaches like licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the core ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is set to lapse in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Operate
GLP-1 drugs mimick a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so users reduce food intake.
People commonly start to lose weight in the initial weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Research indicates patients may regain a significant portion after a year of discontinuing the treatment, because their typical food cravings come back.
To be overweight or obese increases your likelihood for contracting medical conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some malignancies.
Excess weight concerns individuals in all nations and was linked to 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
