WHO Raises Warning Over Acute Scarcity of Weight-Loss Injections

Fewer than one in 10 individuals eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy can access them, warns the WHO as it releases its first guidance on the therapies.

Given more than one billion people worldwide now obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable access to this class of drugs.

Per projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.

"Our latest guidance affirms that obesity is a chronic disease that can be addressed with holistic and lifelong treatment," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are major hurdles to broad availability to the injections that can assist patients in reducing substantial body mass, explains the organization.

Weight-Loss Drug Shortage

Even under the current best projected scenario, the manufacturing of these medications might only reach approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the WHO.

The advice urges countries and companies to widen access, through measures including licensing agreements.

A patent on a key compound – the main ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.

The Way Obesity Drugs Operate

GLP-1 drugs replicate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and enhance satiety so users eat less.

People usually see weight reduction within a few weeks of commencing the regular doses.

Evidence suggests patients may see weight return a year later of discontinuing the drug, as their typical food cravings resume.

To be overweight or obese elevates your likelihood for contracting health problems, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain malignancies.

Obesity impacts individuals in countries worldwide and was linked to over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.