Under one in 10 people who could benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy can access them, warns the WHO as it releases its first guidance on the drugs.
Given more than one billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is calling for more widespread and fairer access to GLP-1 medication.
According to estimates, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be managed with thorough and lifelong support," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are major hurdles to widespread availability to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing considerable weight, says the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even under the present best projected scenario, the production of such drugs would only suffice for around 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, per the WHO.
The advice calls on countries and companies to expand availability, by strategies like licensing agreements.
A patent on the active ingredient – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is set to lapse in several countries in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Operate
These medications mimick a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and boost satiety so individuals consume fewer calories.
People usually start to lose weight after several weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Studies points to people may see weight return a year later of stopping the treatment, when their usual hunger return.
To be overweight or obese elevates your risk for developing medical conditions, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.
Obesity affects people in every country and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
