World Health Organization Raises Alert Over Acute Lack of Weight-Loss Medications

Fewer than 10% of individuals that would benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy have access to them, states the World Health Organization as it publishes its inaugural guidance on the medications.

With more than one billion people worldwide currently obese, it is calling for increased and just availability to this class of drugs.

Based on forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.

"The latest guidance recognises that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be treated with holistic and ongoing treatment," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are key barriers to broad access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing considerable weight, explains the organization.

Weight-Loss Drug Shortage

Even under the current most optimistic outlook, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies could only cover around 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, per the WHO.

The guideline calls on countries and companies to expand access, through approaches like patent sharing.

Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the main component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.

The Way Obesity Injections Operate

GLP-1 drugs mimick a body's own hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and increase satiety so individuals consume fewer calories.

People usually begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.

Research indicates people may regain a significant portion within a year of discontinuing the medication, as their normal hunger return.

Being overweight or obese raises your risk for experiencing health problems, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and specific malignancies.

Excess weight impacts people in every country and was linked to millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.