WHO Issues Warning Over Critical Shortage of Obesity Medications

Fewer than a tenth of patients eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy have access to them, states the World Health Organization as it publishes its initial guidance on the therapies.

Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide now classified as obese, it is urging increased and just access to GLP-1 medication.

Based on estimates, over two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.

"The new guidance recognises that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be managed with holistic and lifelong support," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are significant obstacles to universal availability to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing substantial body mass, says the organization.

Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis

Even in the present most optimistic scenario, the production of these medications might only reach about 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, as stated by the WHO.

The recommendation encourages countries and companies to increase availability, via strategies like voluntary licensing.

The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the primary ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.

The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Work

These medications mimick a body's own hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and boost feelings of fullness so individuals consume fewer calories.

Individuals commonly start to lose weight after several weeks of starting on the weekly injections.

Evidence suggests patients may see weight return after a year of stopping the treatment, because their usual hunger come back.

To be overweight or obese increases your risk for experiencing medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain malignancies.

Obesity impacts people in countries worldwide and was linked to 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.