Under one in 10 people eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy have access to them, states the global health agency as it issues its inaugural recommendations on the therapies.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is calling for increased and just access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on estimates, over two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be managed with comprehensive and lifelong treatment," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are major barriers to broad access to the treatments that can help people shift significant weight, notes the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Even under the current best projected case, the production of these medications might only reach approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the health organization.
The recommendation encourages governments and firms to widen availability, through approaches including voluntary licensing.
A patent on a key compound – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Work
These medications replicate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and boost feelings of fullness so users consume fewer calories.
Individuals typically see weight reduction within a few weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Research indicates users may put most of the weight back on a year later of stopping the treatment, because their typical food cravings return.
To be overweight or obese raises your chance for contracting diseases, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight impacts individuals in all nations and was associated with over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
