Less than one in 10 patients that would benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy have access to them, caution the global health agency as it publishes its inaugural guidance on the medications.
Given over a billion people worldwide now living with obesity, it is urging broader and more equitable availability to this class of drugs.
Based on forecasts, more than two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidelines recognises that obesity is a chronic disease that can be managed with comprehensive and ongoing treatment," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are key hurdles to broad access to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing considerable weight, says the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Despite the present best projected case, the manufacturing of such drugs would only suffice for about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, per the health organization.
The advice calls on nations and manufacturers to expand availability, by approaches including licensing agreements.
The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Operate
GLP-1 drugs replicate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and increase the sense of being full so individuals reduce food intake.
Patients usually begin shedding pounds after several weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Studies suggests people may regain a significant portion a year later of halting the treatment, because their normal appetite resume.
Being overweight or obese elevates your likelihood for experiencing diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Obesity impacts people in all nations and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
