Under one in 10 people eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy are able to get them, warns the WHO as it releases its inaugural advice on the therapies.
With over a billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable access to this class of drugs.
Per forecasts, over two billion will be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidance acknowledges that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be managed with thorough and continuous care," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are significant hurdles to widespread access to the jabs that can help people shift considerable weight, says the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even under the current best projected case, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies could only cover about 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the WHO.
The guideline urges countries and companies to expand access, by strategies like patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Work
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and enhance feelings of fullness so people consume fewer calories.
Patients commonly begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Evidence indicates users may see weight return after a year of discontinuing the treatment, because their normal hunger resume.
To be above a healthy weight increases your chance for experiencing health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Obesity affects people in all nations and was responsible for 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
