Fewer than one in 10 patients that would benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy have access to them, caution the WHO as it releases its first advice on the medications.
With more than one billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is urging increased and just access to this class of drugs.
Based on estimates, more than two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The new guidance recognises that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with holistic and ongoing support," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are major obstacles to universal access to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing substantial weight, explains the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Even under the current most favorable scenario, the production of GLP-1 therapies could only cover approximately 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, as stated by the WHO.
The advice encourages countries and companies to increase availability, through strategies including licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the main component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in multiple nations in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Injections Work
These medications imitate a natural hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and boost satiety so people reduce food intake.
Patients commonly begin shedding pounds after several weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Evidence suggests people may regain a significant portion within a year of stopping the drug, because their typical food cravings return.
To be overweight or obese increases your risk for experiencing diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific cancers.
Excess weight impacts people in countries worldwide and was linked to over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
