Fewer than 10% of people who could benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy are able to get them, warns the global health agency as it releases its inaugural advice on the therapies.
Given over a billion individuals worldwide now obese, it is calling for more widespread and fairer availability to this class of drugs.
Based on forecasts, over two billion will be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The latest guidance affirms that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be addressed with comprehensive and lifelong support," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are major barriers to widespread access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing significant body mass, notes the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Even in the current most favorable scenario, the supply of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, as stated by the health organization.
The guideline urges nations and manufacturers to expand access, through measures such as voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the core ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in multiple countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Drugs Operate
GLP-1 drugs mimick a natural hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and increase satiety so users reduce food intake.
Patients usually see weight reduction in the initial weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Studies suggests users may see weight return a year later of stopping the medication, because their usual hunger return.
Being above a healthy weight increases your likelihood for developing health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and some cancers.
Obesity concerns individuals in all nations and was linked to millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
