Less than 10% of individuals who could benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy are able to get them, states the WHO as it issues its first advice on the medications.
Given over a billion people worldwide now obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable access to these injectable treatments.
Based on estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidelines recognises that obesity is a long-term condition that can be managed with thorough and lifelong care," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are major barriers to broad availability to the treatments that can help people shift significant body mass, says the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even under the current most optimistic scenario, the production of these medications might only reach about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, as stated by the health organization.
The recommendation encourages countries and companies to increase availability, through strategies like voluntary licensing.
The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the core ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Work
The injections mimick a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and enhance satiety so users eat less.
People usually see weight reduction after several weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Evidence indicates users may see weight return after a year of discontinuing the drug, when their normal food cravings come back.
To be carrying excess weight elevates your likelihood for experiencing medical conditions, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some cancers.
Obesity impacts people in every country and was responsible for millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
