WHO Raises Warning Over Severe Shortage of Obesity Medications

Less than one in 10 people who could benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy have access to them, caution the global health agency as it issues its initial advice on the drugs.

With in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is advocating for broader and more equitable access to this class of drugs.

According to projections, more than two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.

"The new guidance recognises that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be addressed with holistic and ongoing treatment," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are significant obstacles to broad access to the injections that can help people shift considerable body mass, explains the organization.

GLP-1 Therapy Shortage

Despite the current best projected outlook, the production of such drugs would only suffice for about 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, per the health organization.

The advice calls on countries and companies to increase availability, via measures like voluntary licensing.

The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the primary component of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in multiple countries in 2026.

How Obesity Jabs Operate

The injections replicate a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and enhance satiety so individuals reduce food intake.

Patients commonly start to lose weight after several weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.

Studies indicates users may regain a significant portion a year later of discontinuing the medication, as their usual hunger return.

To be carrying excess weight raises your risk for developing health problems, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and specific malignancies.

Excess weight concerns people in every country and was linked to over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.