Under 10% of people eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy can access them, states the global health agency as it releases its inaugural guidance on the medications.
Given over a billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is advocating for broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on projections, over two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The latest guidelines recognises that obesity is a long-term condition that can be managed with holistic and continuous care," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are key obstacles to broad access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing considerable weight, says the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Despite the current most optimistic case, the supply of these medications would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.
The guideline encourages countries and companies to increase availability, by strategies including licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is set to lapse in several countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Work
The injections replicate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and boost feelings of fullness so individuals consume fewer calories.
People typically begin shedding pounds after several weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Research indicates users may see weight return after a year of discontinuing the medication, when their usual hunger return.
To be overweight or obese increases your likelihood for contracting medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some malignancies.
Excess weight affects people in every country and was associated with over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
