Under 10% of people that would benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy have access to them, caution the global health agency as it issues its inaugural advice on the therapies.
Given more than one billion people worldwide now obese, it is calling for more widespread and fairer access to this class of drugs.
According to forecasts, over two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The latest guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be managed with thorough and continuous treatment," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are key hurdles to universal access to the jabs that can help people shift considerable weight, explains the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Even under the current most optimistic case, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, according to the WHO.
The guideline encourages countries and companies to increase access, by approaches like licensing agreements.
The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in a number of countries in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Function
These medications replicate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and boost satiety so users consume fewer calories.
Patients usually see weight reduction in the initial weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Research points to users may see weight return within a year of stopping the treatment, when their usual appetite come back.
To be carrying excess weight elevates your likelihood for contracting diseases, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific cancers.
Excess weight affects individuals in every country and was linked to 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
