Fewer than 10% of patients who could benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy are able to get them, caution the global health agency as it publishes its initial recommendations on the therapies.
With in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently obese, it is calling for increased and just availability to these injectable treatments.
Based on projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidance acknowledges that obesity is a long-term condition that can be managed with comprehensive and ongoing support," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are major barriers to broad access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing significant body mass, says the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity
Despite the present most favorable scenario, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, per the health organization.
The recommendation urges governments and firms to expand availability, via strategies including voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the main component of the drug Wegovy – is set to lapse in several nations in 2026.
How Obesity Drugs Work
GLP-1 drugs replicate a natural hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and boost satiety so individuals eat less.
People usually begin shedding pounds after several weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Evidence suggests users may put most of the weight back on a year later of stopping the drug, as their usual appetite resume.
To be carrying excess weight increases your likelihood for contracting medical conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain cancers.
Obesity impacts people in every country and was linked to over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
