Under 10% of patients eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy have access to them, warns the World Health Organization as it publishes its inaugural advice on the medications.
With over a billion individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is urging broader and more equitable availability to GLP-1 medication.
According to estimates, more than two billion could be living with obesity 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 continuous support," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are major barriers to broad access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing significant weight, says the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Despite the present most favorable outlook, the manufacturing of these medications might only reach around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.
The advice calls on countries and companies to increase availability, via approaches including voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the core ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Injections Operate
GLP-1 drugs mimick a body's own hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and enhance satiety so users reduce food intake.
Individuals commonly see weight reduction after several weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Studies suggests users may regain a significant portion after a year of halting the medication, because their normal food cravings return.
Being overweight or obese elevates your likelihood for contracting medical conditions, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some malignancies.
Obesity concerns individuals in all nations and was responsible for 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
