Under 10% of individuals who could benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy can access them, caution the global health agency as it issues its inaugural guidance on the drugs.
Given over a billion people worldwide currently obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable availability to this class of drugs.
According to forecasts, more than two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"The latest guidance affirms that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with thorough and lifelong care," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are key barriers to broad access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing considerable weight, notes the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even in the current best projected scenario, the production of such drugs would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.
The recommendation calls on countries and companies to widen availability, through strategies including licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the main ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in multiple countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Jabs Operate
The injections replicate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and increase feelings of fullness so users reduce food intake.
People usually see weight reduction after several weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.
Studies indicates people may see weight return within a year of discontinuing the drug, when their typical appetite resume.
Being above a healthy weight increases your likelihood for contracting health problems, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Obesity impacts individuals in all nations and was responsible for over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
