Less than one in 10 patients eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy have access to them, caution the global health agency as it issues its inaugural recommendations on the medications.
Given more than one billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable availability to these injectable treatments.
According to estimates, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidelines recognises that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be addressed with comprehensive and lifelong treatment," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are key barriers to broad access to the injections that can help people shift substantial weight, says the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Despite the present most favorable outlook, the production of such drugs would only suffice for around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, according to the WHO.
The guideline encourages governments and firms to expand availability, by approaches like voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in a number of nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Work
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so users reduce food intake.
People typically see weight reduction within a few weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Evidence suggests people may put most of the weight back on a year later of stopping the medication, because their typical food cravings return.
To be carrying excess weight raises your chance for experiencing health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers.
Excess weight concerns individuals in every country and was linked to millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
