The Global Health Body Issues Warning Over Critical Scarcity of Obesity Medications

Fewer than one in 10 people eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy can access them, states the WHO as it publishes its inaugural guidance on the medications.

With over a billion people worldwide now living with obesity, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.

Based on projections, more than two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.

"The latest guidelines affirms that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be managed with holistic and ongoing care," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are major obstacles to universal availability to the jabs that can help people shift considerable body mass, notes the body.

GLP-1 Therapy Shortage

Even in the present most favorable case, the supply of these medications could only cover approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, per the WHO.

The recommendation urges governments and firms to expand availability, via measures such as patent sharing.

A patent on semaglutide – the primary ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.

The Way Weight-Loss Injections Operate

The injections imitate a biological compound to slow digestion, reduce hunger and boost satiety so individuals eat less.

Patients typically see weight reduction within a few weeks of commencing the weekly injections.

Research suggests people may put most of the weight back on after a year of stopping the medication, when their usual appetite return.

Being above a healthy weight raises your likelihood for developing health problems, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.

Obesity impacts people in countries worldwide and was responsible for millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.