Fewer than a tenth of individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy can access them, caution the global health agency as it publishes its first advice on the drugs.
With more than one billion people worldwide now obese, it is urging broader and more equitable availability to this class of drugs.
Per projections, more than two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our latest guidance recognises that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be treated with thorough and ongoing support," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are major obstacles to widespread availability to the injections that can aid individuals in losing substantial weight, explains the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even in the current most favorable case, the supply of these medications would only suffice for around 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, per the WHO.
The guideline urges nations and manufacturers to increase access, through strategies like voluntary licensing.
A patent on a key compound – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Work
The injections replicate a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and increase satiety so people consume fewer calories.
Patients commonly see weight reduction within a few weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Studies suggests patients may see weight return within a year of halting the medication, when their usual appetite resume.
Being carrying excess weight increases your chance for developing health problems, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some malignancies.
Obesity affects people in countries worldwide and was linked to over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
