Less than one in 10 patients that would benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy have access to them, states the WHO as it publishes its initial advice on the drugs.
Given over a billion individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is advocating for increased and just access to this class of drugs.
Based on estimates, over two billion will be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The new guidance affirms that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with holistic and lifelong support," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are key barriers to universal availability to the jabs that can help people shift considerable body mass, explains the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Even under the current best projected outlook, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies could only cover approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, according to the WHO.
The advice urges countries and companies to widen availability, via strategies like voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the primary component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Jabs Function
The injections mimick a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and increase satiety so individuals consume fewer calories.
Patients typically see weight reduction after several weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Studies points to patients may see weight return a year later of discontinuing the drug, because their usual food cravings come back.
Being carrying excess weight raises your risk for experiencing medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight impacts people in countries worldwide and was associated with 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
