Under a tenth of individuals who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy have access to them, caution the global health agency as it issues its first guidance on the therapies.
With more than one billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is calling for more widespread and fairer availability to these injectable treatments.
Per forecasts, over two billion could be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The new guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be treated with comprehensive and ongoing support," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are major barriers to broad access to the jabs that can help people shift substantial weight, says the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even under the current most optimistic case, the supply of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for about 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, as stated by the health organization.
The advice urges governments and firms to expand access, via measures such as voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the core ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Work
GLP-1 drugs replicate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and increase satiety so people consume fewer calories.
Patients usually begin shedding pounds after several weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Studies points to people may put most of the weight back on after a year of discontinuing the treatment, when their usual food cravings return.
Being overweight or obese elevates your risk for contracting medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.
Excess weight affects people in all nations and was responsible for over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
