Under one in 10 patients that would benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy have access to them, caution the global health agency as it releases its initial recommendations on the medications.
Considering over a billion people worldwide currently obese, it is advocating for increased and just availability to this class of drugs.
Based on forecasts, over two billion could be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidance recognises that obesity is a long-term condition that can be treated with thorough and continuous treatment," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are major obstacles to widespread availability to the jabs that can help people shift substantial body mass, notes the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity
Even under the current most optimistic outlook, the supply of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, according to the health organization.
The guideline calls on countries and companies to expand availability, by approaches including licensing agreements.
A patent on a key compound – the main component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Function
The injections mimick a body's own hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and boost satiety so individuals reduce food intake.
Individuals commonly begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Research indicates people may see weight return after a year of discontinuing the drug, when their typical hunger resume.
To be overweight or obese increases your risk for developing health problems, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Obesity affects people in every country and was responsible for 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
