Under 10% of individuals that would benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy can access them, caution the WHO as it releases its first guidance on the drugs.
Given more than one billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to GLP-1 medication.
Per projections, over two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidance acknowledges that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be treated with holistic and continuous support," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are major barriers to widespread availability to the injections that can help people shift substantial body mass, explains the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Despite the present most optimistic case, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies might only reach approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, per the WHO.
The guideline calls on nations and manufacturers to widen access, through approaches like licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Work
These medications imitate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and boost the sense of being full so users reduce food intake.
Patients typically see weight reduction within a few weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Evidence points to patients may regain a significant portion a year later of stopping the drug, because their usual hunger come back.
To be carrying excess weight increases your chance for contracting medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific cancers.
Obesity affects people in countries worldwide and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
