Fewer than one in 10 individuals eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy have access to them, caution the WHO as it publishes its initial recommendations on the medications.
Given more than one billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer availability to GLP-1 medication.
Based on estimates, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"Our latest guidelines affirms that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be managed with comprehensive and lifelong treatment," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are major barriers to widespread availability to the treatments that can help people shift considerable weight, says the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even in the present best projected outlook, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for around 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the WHO.
The recommendation calls on nations and manufacturers to widen access, through measures including patent sharing.
A patent on semaglutide – the main ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Work
These medications replicate a natural hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and enhance satiety so users eat less.
People typically begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Research suggests people may put most of the weight back on within a year of stopping the treatment, as their typical hunger resume.
Being overweight or obese elevates your likelihood for experiencing health problems, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.
Obesity affects individuals in all nations and was responsible for over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
