Fewer than 10% of people that would benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy have access to them, warns the WHO as it publishes its initial advice on the medications.
With over a billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to GLP-1 medication.
Per projections, over two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidance affirms that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be treated with holistic and lifelong support," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are major barriers to universal access to the jabs that can help people shift substantial weight, explains the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Despite the current best projected outlook, the supply of these medications might only reach around 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, per the WHO.
The advice calls on countries and companies to expand access, via strategies including patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the primary component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Jabs Operate
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and enhance the sense of being full so users eat less.
Individuals usually begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Studies indicates users may regain a significant portion within a year of halting the drug, because their typical hunger resume.
Being carrying excess weight increases your chance for developing health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers.
Obesity affects individuals in every country and was responsible for over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
