Less than a tenth of individuals that would benefit from obesity jabs like Wegovy are able to get them, states the global health agency as it publishes its inaugural advice on the medications.
Considering more than one billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging broader and more equitable access to these injectable treatments.
According to forecasts, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidelines recognises that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be managed with holistic and lifelong treatment," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are key obstacles to universal availability to the jabs that can help people shift significant weight, explains the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Even under the present most favorable case, the supply of GLP-1 therapies might only reach approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, according to the health organization.
The recommendation calls on countries and companies to expand availability, by approaches such as patent sharing.
A patent on semaglutide – the primary ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Operate
The injections mimick a body's own hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness so people eat less.
Patients commonly start to lose weight after several weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Studies points to users may see weight return a year later of discontinuing the medication, because their usual appetite return.
To be above a healthy weight increases your likelihood for contracting health problems, like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Obesity affects individuals in every country and was linked to millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
