Less than 10% of people eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy have access to them, caution the WHO as it issues its inaugural advice on the medications.
With in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer availability to these injectable treatments.
According to estimates, over two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidelines recognises that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with comprehensive and continuous treatment," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are significant barriers to broad availability to the jabs that can help people shift substantial weight, explains the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity
Even in the current most optimistic outlook, the manufacturing of such drugs might only reach approximately 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, according to the health organization.
The guideline urges nations and manufacturers to increase access, through approaches such as licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the primary component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is set to lapse in multiple nations in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Operate
The injections imitate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and boost feelings of fullness so people reduce food intake.
People commonly see weight reduction within a few weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Studies suggests patients may see weight return a year later of discontinuing the drug, as their typical appetite resume.
To be carrying excess weight raises your likelihood for experiencing health problems, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight affects individuals in every country and was associated with over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
