Under 10% of individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy are able to get them, caution the global health agency as it publishes its first advice on the drugs.
With over a billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is advocating for increased and just access to these injectable treatments.
According to estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be treated with comprehensive and ongoing treatment," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are key barriers to broad access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing substantial weight, notes the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity
Even in the current best projected outlook, the production of these medications could only cover around 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, per the WHO.
The recommendation calls on governments and firms to expand availability, through strategies including voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the main component of a leading brand – is set to lapse in several nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Function
The injections mimick a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and increase the sense of being full so people consume fewer calories.
Individuals typically start to lose weight within a few weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Studies indicates patients may put most of the weight back on a year later of halting the drug, as their usual appetite resume.
Being above a healthy weight raises your chance for contracting medical conditions, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific cancers.
Obesity concerns people in countries worldwide and was linked to over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
