Under a tenth of individuals who could benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy have access to them, states the WHO as it publishes its first recommendations on the drugs.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide now living with obesity, it is advocating for increased and just access to these injectable treatments.
Based on forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidelines recognises that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with holistic and lifelong support," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are major obstacles to widespread access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing significant body mass, explains the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even under the current most favorable case, the supply of such drugs could only cover around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, according to the WHO.
The advice calls on countries and companies to widen availability, by approaches including voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the primary ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Operate
GLP-1 drugs replicate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so users eat less.
Patients typically start to lose weight after several weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Research suggests people may see weight return after a year of halting the medication, because their normal food cravings return.
To be above a healthy weight raises your likelihood for developing medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some malignancies.
Excess weight impacts people in every country and was associated with millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
