Less than 10% of people that would benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy are able to get them, caution the global health agency as it releases its inaugural recommendations on the drugs.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.
According to projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidance acknowledges that obesity is a long-term condition that can be managed with thorough and ongoing care," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are major obstacles to widespread access to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing substantial weight, explains the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity
Even under the current most optimistic scenario, the manufacturing of such drugs would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, per the health organization.
The guideline encourages countries and companies to expand access, through approaches including licensing agreements.
The intellectual property rights on a key compound – the main component of a leading brand – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Drugs Operate
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and enhance satiety so individuals eat less.
Patients commonly start to lose weight within a few weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Studies suggests people may see weight return after a year of discontinuing the drug, when their typical hunger come back.
Being carrying excess weight elevates your risk for developing health problems, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Obesity impacts individuals in all nations and was responsible for 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
