Fewer than 10% of people eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy can access them, states the global health agency as it issues its initial recommendations on the drugs.
Considering over a billion people worldwide now obese, it is urging broader and more equitable availability to this class of drugs.
According to estimates, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The latest guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be managed with comprehensive and lifelong support," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are significant hurdles to widespread access to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing substantial weight, notes the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Despite the current best projected scenario, the supply of GLP-1 therapies could only cover around 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, according to the WHO.
The recommendation urges countries and companies to expand availability, via strategies like voluntary licensing.
A patent on semaglutide – the core component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is set to lapse in a number of countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Drugs Work
The injections replicate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and increase the sense of being full so users consume fewer calories.
People commonly begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Research points to people may put most of the weight back on after a year of discontinuing the medication, when their usual hunger return.
To be carrying excess weight raises your chance for contracting health problems, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific malignancies.
Obesity affects people in all nations and was linked to over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
