Less than a tenth of individuals who could benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy are able to get them, states the WHO as it publishes its inaugural advice on the medications.
Given over a billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable access to these injectable treatments.
Based on projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidance recognises that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be treated with comprehensive and continuous support," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are significant obstacles to broad access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing substantial body mass, explains the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even under the current most optimistic scenario, the production of these medications might only reach around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, per the WHO.
The recommendation calls on nations and manufacturers to widen access, via approaches such as licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the main component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Function
GLP-1 drugs mimick a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and increase feelings of fullness so people consume fewer calories.
Patients commonly start to lose weight after several weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Research indicates patients may put most of the weight back on a year later of discontinuing the medication, because their usual appetite come back.
To be carrying excess weight elevates your likelihood for developing medical conditions, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific malignancies.
Obesity impacts people in every country and was associated with millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
