Fewer than one in 10 individuals who could benefit from obesity jabs like Wegovy are able to get them, caution the global health agency as it issues its inaugural guidance on the therapies.
Given over a billion individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is calling for increased and just access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on estimates, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be treated with thorough and lifelong treatment," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are major barriers to universal availability to the treatments that can help people shift significant body mass, explains the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even under the present most favorable scenario, the manufacturing of such drugs might only reach approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.
The recommendation calls on governments and firms to widen availability, through measures like patent sharing.
A patent on the active ingredient – the core component of a leading brand – is set to lapse in several countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Function
These medications mimick a natural hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and boost satiety so users eat less.
Individuals usually begin shedding pounds after several weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Evidence suggests patients may put most of the weight back on a year later of stopping the medication, as their usual food cravings resume.
Being overweight or obese increases your risk for developing diseases, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.
Obesity affects individuals in countries worldwide and was responsible for millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
