Fewer than one in 10 people eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy have access to them, caution the global health agency as it publishes its initial guidance on the medications.
With more than one billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is advocating for increased and just access to this class of drugs.
Based on forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidance acknowledges that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be treated with holistic and ongoing support," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are major barriers to universal access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing substantial body mass, says the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Despite the present most optimistic scenario, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies could only cover approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the WHO.
The advice calls on governments and firms to widen availability, by approaches such as licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the core ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Function
The injections mimick a body's own hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and boost satiety so users consume fewer calories.
People commonly start to lose weight in the initial weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Evidence suggests users may put most of the weight back on within a year of stopping the drug, as their typical food cravings resume.
To be above a healthy weight raises your chance for developing health problems, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some malignancies.
Excess weight affects individuals in every country and was linked to millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
