Less than one in 10 people eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy have access to them, warns the WHO as it releases its inaugural recommendations on the medications.
Considering more than one billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is advocating for broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidance recognises that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be treated with thorough and ongoing support," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are significant obstacles to widespread availability to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing considerable weight, says the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Even in the current most optimistic case, the production of such drugs might only reach about 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, according to the WHO.
The guideline calls on countries and companies to widen access, via measures such as licensing agreements.
A patent on a key compound – the main component of a leading brand – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Function
GLP-1 drugs replicate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so individuals reduce food intake.
Patients commonly see weight reduction within a few weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Studies indicates patients may put most of the weight back on within a year of halting the drug, because their normal hunger resume.
Being above a healthy weight increases your risk for contracting health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.
Excess weight affects people in countries worldwide and was responsible for 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
