Under 10% of people that would benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy have access to them, warns the WHO as it publishes its inaugural advice on the medications.
Considering over a billion people worldwide now living with obesity, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on forecasts, over two billion will be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be treated with holistic and lifelong support," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are major hurdles to widespread access to the jabs that can help people shift significant weight, says the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Despite the present most favorable scenario, the manufacturing of these medications could only cover about 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, as stated by the health organization.
The advice urges governments and firms to expand access, via approaches like voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the core ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Function
These medications mimick a body's own hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and boost feelings of fullness so users reduce food intake.
Patients commonly see weight reduction after several weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Studies suggests people may regain a significant portion within a year of halting the treatment, when their typical food cravings come back.
To be carrying excess weight increases your chance for contracting health problems, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and specific malignancies.
Obesity impacts people in all nations and was associated with 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
