Under 10% of individuals eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy can access them, states the global health agency as it issues its inaugural guidance on the drugs.
Considering more than one billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is calling for more widespread and fairer availability to these injectable treatments.
According to projections, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive and continuous support," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are major obstacles to broad access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing substantial weight, notes the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity
Despite the current most optimistic case, the supply of GLP-1 therapies might only reach around 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the health organization.
The guideline urges nations and manufacturers to increase availability, by approaches including voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is set to lapse in several countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Operate
The injections replicate a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and enhance satiety so individuals eat less.
Patients usually see weight reduction within a few weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Studies indicates people may regain a significant portion a year later of stopping the drug, as their typical hunger come back.
To be carrying excess weight raises your likelihood for developing health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Obesity impacts individuals in all nations and was linked to over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
