Fewer than a tenth of people who could benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy are able to get them, states the global health agency as it publishes its initial guidance on the therapies.
With in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for increased and just access to this class of drugs.
Based on estimates, more than two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines recognises that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with comprehensive and ongoing care," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are key hurdles to universal access to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing significant weight, says the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Despite the present best projected scenario, the supply of these medications would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, per the WHO.
The guideline calls on countries and companies to increase availability, via approaches such as voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the core ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Injections Operate
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and boost satiety so people eat less.
Patients typically begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Research suggests people may see weight return within a year of discontinuing the medication, as their normal hunger come back.
Being overweight or obese elevates your risk for contracting diseases, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.
Obesity impacts people in all nations and was linked to 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
