Less than 10% of individuals who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy have access to them, caution the global health agency as it issues its first advice on the therapies.
Given more than one billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for more widespread and fairer availability to these injectable treatments.
Based on projections, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidance affirms that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with holistic and ongoing care," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are significant hurdles to broad access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing significant weight, notes the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even under the current most favorable case, the manufacturing of these medications could only cover around 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, according to the WHO.
The guideline urges nations and manufacturers to increase access, by approaches including licensing agreements.
A patent on a key compound – the primary component of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Function
These medications mimick a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and boost feelings of fullness so users reduce food intake.
Patients typically start to lose weight within a few weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Studies indicates patients may regain a significant portion within a year of stopping the medication, when their typical hunger resume.
Being above a healthy weight elevates your risk for contracting diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain cancers.
Obesity concerns individuals in all nations and was linked to over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.