Less than one in 10 individuals that would benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy are able to get them, warns the global health agency as it publishes its inaugural recommendations on the therapies.
Considering over a billion people worldwide now living with obesity, it is urging increased and just availability to these injectable treatments.
According to forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidelines affirms that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be treated with holistic and ongoing support," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are significant hurdles to broad availability to the treatments that can help people shift considerable weight, notes the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Despite the current best projected outlook, the manufacturing of such drugs could only cover about 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, as stated by the health organization.
The guideline calls on governments and firms to widen access, via measures like licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is set to lapse in several nations in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Jabs Operate
GLP-1 drugs mimick a body's own hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and increase satiety so users reduce food intake.
Individuals commonly see weight reduction within a few weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Research suggests users may put most of the weight back on a year later of stopping the drug, when their normal food cravings resume.
Being above a healthy weight raises your chance for experiencing health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some malignancies.
Obesity affects people in every country and was associated with over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
