Less than a tenth of people that would benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy can access them, warns the global health agency as it issues its first recommendations on the medications.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently obese, it is advocating for increased and just availability to GLP-1 medication.
Based on forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidelines recognises that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be managed with holistic and continuous support," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are major barriers to broad access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing considerable weight, says the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Despite the current most optimistic outlook, the supply of these medications could only cover around 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, per the WHO.
The guideline urges nations and manufacturers to increase availability, via measures such as licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Operate
The injections imitate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and increase the sense of being full so individuals consume fewer calories.
People commonly see weight reduction after several weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Research points to patients may see weight return after a year of discontinuing the drug, when their normal hunger resume.
Being overweight or obese increases your risk for contracting diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Obesity impacts people in countries worldwide and was responsible for millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
