Less than one in 10 people eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy can access them, states the WHO as it publishes its initial advice on the medications.
Given over a billion individuals worldwide now obese, it is calling for increased and just access to this class of drugs.
According to projections, over two billion will be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines recognises that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be managed with thorough and continuous support," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are significant obstacles to widespread access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing considerable body mass, notes the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Despite the current best projected scenario, the production of GLP-1 therapies might only reach about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, per the WHO.
The advice urges nations and manufacturers to expand availability, by strategies including voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the primary component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Function
The injections replicate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and boost the sense of being full so people consume fewer calories.
Individuals commonly see weight reduction in the initial weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Studies indicates people may see weight return within a year of halting the drug, because their usual appetite return.
To be carrying excess weight raises your chance for developing diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some malignancies.
Excess weight impacts people in all nations and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
