Fewer than 10% of individuals who could benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy can access them, states the global health agency as it publishes its first guidance on the medications.
Considering more than one billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is advocating for broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.
Per forecasts, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be managed with comprehensive and ongoing support," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are key barriers to widespread availability to the injections that can assist patients in reducing substantial weight, says the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Despite the current most favorable outlook, the supply of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for about 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the WHO.
The recommendation calls on governments and firms to widen access, through measures such as patent sharing.
The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the primary ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Function
The injections imitate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and boost satiety so users eat less.
Patients usually see weight reduction after several weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Research points to people may put most of the weight back on after a year of stopping the treatment, as their normal appetite come back.
Being above a healthy weight increases your risk for experiencing medical conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some malignancies.
Excess weight impacts people in countries worldwide and was linked to over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
