Under one in 10 people eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy have access to them, warns the World Health Organization as it publishes its inaugural guidance on the drugs.
Given more than one billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is urging broader and more equitable access to these injectable treatments.
Per forecasts, over two billion could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The latest guidance affirms that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with thorough and continuous care," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are significant barriers to broad access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing substantial weight, notes the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity
Even in the current most favorable outlook, the supply of GLP-1 therapies might only reach approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, per the health organization.
The recommendation encourages countries and companies to widen access, by measures including licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the primary component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Operate
GLP-1 drugs replicate a biological compound to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and boost satiety so people reduce food intake.
People typically start to lose weight after several weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Studies indicates users may put most of the weight back on within a year of discontinuing the treatment, as their usual food cravings resume.
To be overweight or obese elevates your likelihood for developing diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and specific cancers.
Excess weight concerns individuals in every country and was linked to millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
