Under a tenth of people eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy have access to them, warns the global health agency as it issues its first guidance on the medications.
With over a billion individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is advocating for broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on projections, over two billion could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidance acknowledges that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with holistic and lifelong treatment," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are major barriers to widespread availability to the jabs that can help people shift substantial weight, notes the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity
Despite the present best projected outlook, the supply of such drugs might only reach around 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, per the health organization.
The recommendation calls on countries and companies to expand access, by measures like licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the core ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Operate
GLP-1 drugs replicate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and increase feelings of fullness so users eat less.
Individuals typically see weight reduction in the initial weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Studies suggests users may regain a significant portion a year later of discontinuing the drug, when their normal appetite return.
Being overweight or obese increases your chance for contracting medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight concerns people in all nations and was linked to 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
