Less than a tenth of people eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy can access them, caution the global health agency as it publishes its initial advice on the drugs.
Considering over a billion people worldwide currently obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to this class of drugs.
According to projections, over two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The latest guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with holistic and ongoing support," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are key barriers to universal availability to the jabs that can help people shift considerable body mass, says the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity
Even in the current most favorable outlook, the supply of such drugs could only cover about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, per the WHO.
The advice encourages governments and firms to increase availability, through approaches including licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is set to lapse in a number of nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Function
GLP-1 drugs replicate a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and increase satiety so users consume fewer calories.
People commonly see weight reduction within a few weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Evidence indicates users may put most of the weight back on within a year of discontinuing the treatment, as their usual appetite return.
To be above a healthy weight elevates your likelihood for experiencing diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and some cancers.
Excess weight impacts individuals in every country and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
