Fewer than 10% of people eligible to benefit from obesity jabs like Wegovy have access to them, caution the WHO as it issues its initial guidance on the medications.
Considering over a billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is calling for more widespread and fairer availability to GLP-1 medication.
Based on forecasts, over two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our latest guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be treated with thorough and continuous care," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are significant hurdles to universal access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing substantial weight, says the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Despite the present most optimistic scenario, the supply of such drugs could only cover about 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, as stated by the WHO.
The advice calls on nations and manufacturers to expand availability, through measures including patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the core component of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Operate
These medications imitate a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and enhance satiety so individuals consume fewer calories.
People typically see weight reduction after several weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.
Evidence suggests patients may regain a significant portion after a year of halting the medication, as their normal hunger return.
To be above a healthy weight increases your risk for contracting diseases, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.
Obesity impacts individuals in all nations and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
