Fewer than one in 10 people eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy are able to get them, states the global health agency as it releases its first advice on the medications.
With more than one billion people worldwide now obese, it is calling for increased and just access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on projections, more than two billion will be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The latest guidelines affirms that obesity is a long-term condition that can be treated with thorough and continuous treatment," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are significant barriers to universal access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing substantial weight, explains the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Despite the present best projected scenario, the manufacturing of such drugs would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, per the health organization.
The recommendation urges nations and manufacturers to expand access, via strategies like voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in several nations in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Work
These medications imitate a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness so users reduce food intake.
Patients typically see weight reduction within a few weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Studies indicates patients may see weight return after a year of halting the drug, because their usual appetite return.
Being overweight or obese raises your risk for experiencing medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and specific malignancies.
Excess weight concerns people in every country and was responsible for over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
