The Global Health Body Issues Warning Over Severe Scarcity of Weight-Loss Medications

Less than one in 10 people who could benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy can access them, states the World Health Organization as it publishes its first guidance on the medications.

Given over a billion individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for more widespread and fairer availability to these injectable treatments.

According to forecasts, over two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.

"Our new guidance affirms that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with holistic and ongoing support," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are key obstacles to universal access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing considerable body mass, explains the agency.

Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis

Even in the present most favorable outlook, the manufacturing of these medications would only suffice for around 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the WHO.

The recommendation calls on governments and firms to expand access, by measures like voluntary licensing.

Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the core component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of nations in 2026.

The Way Obesity Injections Operate

GLP-1 drugs replicate a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and increase the sense of being full so users eat less.

People commonly start to lose weight within a few weeks of commencing the weekly injections.

Evidence suggests people may regain a significant portion after a year of stopping the treatment, because their usual appetite resume.

To be above a healthy weight raises your risk for contracting medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and some malignancies.

Obesity affects individuals in countries worldwide and was responsible for 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.