Less than a tenth of patients that would benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy have access to them, warns the global health agency as it issues its first advice on the medications.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for increased and just access to this class of drugs.
According to estimates, over two billion could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidance recognises that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be treated with comprehensive and continuous care," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are key barriers to widespread availability to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing significant body mass, says the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even under the current most optimistic scenario, the production of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, per the health organization.
The recommendation urges nations and manufacturers to increase availability, by approaches such as patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the main ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Operate
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and increase satiety so people reduce food intake.
Patients commonly start to lose weight after several weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.
Evidence suggests people may regain a significant portion a year later of stopping the medication, as their normal hunger resume.
Being overweight or obese increases your chance for experiencing medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some malignancies.
Excess weight concerns individuals in every country and was responsible for 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
