Fewer than 10% of people that would benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy have access to them, warns the global health agency as it publishes its initial recommendations on the therapies.
With more than one billion people worldwide now obese, it is urging increased and just access to this class of drugs.
According to projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidance recognises that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with holistic and ongoing support," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are significant obstacles to widespread access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, explains the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Even in the present best projected case, the manufacturing of these medications could only cover around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, according to the WHO.
The advice calls on nations and manufacturers to increase availability, via strategies such as licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is set to lapse in several nations in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Drugs Operate
The injections imitate a biological compound to slow digestion, curb appetite and boost feelings of fullness so people eat less.
People typically see weight reduction in the initial weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Research indicates people may regain a significant portion within a year of discontinuing the drug, because their typical food cravings return.
To be above a healthy weight raises your chance for developing health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific malignancies.
Obesity impacts people in all nations and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
