WHO Sounds Concern Over Acute Shortage of Obesity Medications

Under a tenth of individuals who could benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy can access them, warns the WHO as it issues its first advice on the drugs.

Given over a billion people worldwide currently obese, it is advocating for increased and just availability to these injectable treatments.

Per projections, over two billion will be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.

"Our new guidelines affirms that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with holistic and lifelong treatment," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are key hurdles to universal availability to the injections that can assist patients in reducing substantial weight, notes the body.

Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis

Despite the current most optimistic outlook, the supply of these medications might only reach approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, according to the health organization.

The advice urges nations and manufacturers to expand availability, via strategies like voluntary licensing.

Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the core ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.

How Obesity Jabs Work

GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and boost feelings of fullness so individuals consume fewer calories.

Individuals commonly begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of beginning the regular doses.

Evidence points to patients may see weight return within a year of stopping the drug, as their typical food cravings return.

To be carrying excess weight increases your risk for contracting medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific cancers.

Excess weight affects people in every country and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.