The Global Health Body Issues Alert Over Critical Shortage of Weight-Loss Medications
Fewer than one in 10 patients that would benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy can access them, warns the WHO as it issues its initial recommendations on the drugs.
With more than one billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is advocating for increased and just access to this class of drugs.
Per projections, over two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidelines affirms that obesity is a chronic disease that can be managed with comprehensive and lifelong treatment," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are major barriers to universal access to the jabs that can help people shift significant body mass, explains the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even under the current best projected outlook, the production of GLP-1 therapies might only reach about 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, as stated by the WHO.
The advice encourages governments and firms to expand availability, via approaches including licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the main component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Function
The injections imitate a biological compound to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so users eat less.
Patients usually start to lose weight after several weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Studies suggests people may regain a significant portion a year later of halting the drug, because their typical food cravings return.
To be above a healthy weight increases your chance for contracting diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.
Obesity impacts individuals in countries worldwide and was linked to 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
