Under 10% of individuals that would benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy can access them, warns the WHO as it publishes its inaugural recommendations on the therapies.
Given more than one billion people worldwide now obese, it is calling for increased and just availability to GLP-1 medication.
According to estimates, over two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidance affirms that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with thorough and ongoing treatment," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are key barriers to widespread availability to the injections that can help people shift substantial weight, notes the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity
Even in the current most favorable case, the manufacturing of such drugs would only suffice for about 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, according to the health organization.
The recommendation calls on governments and firms to widen availability, via approaches like voluntary licensing.
The intellectual property rights on a key compound – the primary component of a leading brand – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Drugs Work
The injections mimick a biological compound to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and enhance satiety so people consume fewer calories.
Patients usually start to lose weight within a few weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Evidence suggests users may regain a significant portion within a year of halting the drug, as their usual appetite resume.
To be carrying excess weight increases your risk for developing health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific malignancies.
Obesity impacts individuals in every country and was responsible for 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
