Fewer than one in 10 patients that would benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy are able to get them, caution the WHO as it publishes its initial advice on the drugs.
Given more than one billion individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is advocating for broader and more equitable access to this class of drugs.
Based on forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our latest guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be treated with holistic and ongoing care," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are major barriers to universal access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing substantial weight, says the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even under the present best projected case, the production of these medications could only cover approximately 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, according to the WHO.
The recommendation urges governments and firms to widen availability, through approaches such as licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is set to lapse in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Work
These medications replicate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and boost feelings of fullness so people eat less.
Individuals commonly see weight reduction after several weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Research indicates patients may regain a significant portion a year later of halting the treatment, as their normal appetite return.
Being overweight or obese raises your risk for developing health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some malignancies.
Excess weight impacts individuals in countries worldwide and was responsible for 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
