Fewer than one in 10 individuals eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy have access to them, warns the global health agency as it issues its inaugural advice on the medications.
Considering over a billion people worldwide now living with obesity, it is urging broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on forecasts, over two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be managed with holistic and ongoing support," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are major barriers to broad access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing substantial body mass, says the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even in the current most favorable outlook, the production of such drugs would only suffice for about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, according to the WHO.
The recommendation calls on governments and firms to expand availability, through measures including licensing agreements.
The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the main component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in multiple nations in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Drugs Function
The injections replicate a biological compound to slow digestion, curb appetite and boost satiety so users reduce food intake.
Patients typically start to lose weight within a few weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Research indicates users may regain a significant portion a year later of discontinuing the drug, when their typical appetite come back.
Being overweight or obese raises your risk for contracting medical conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Obesity affects people in countries worldwide and was associated with millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
