WHO Sounds Concern Over Acute Scarcity of Obesity Injections

Less than one in 10 patients who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy can access them, states the global health agency as it issues its first recommendations on the drugs.

Given more than one billion people worldwide now living with obesity, it is urging broader and more equitable access to this class of drugs.

According to projections, over two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.

"The latest guidance recognises that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be managed with holistic and continuous care," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Substantial prices, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are significant hurdles to widespread access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing considerable body mass, notes the agency.

Weight-Loss Drug Shortage

Even in the current best projected outlook, the production of these medications could only cover about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, according to the health organization.

The advice encourages nations and manufacturers to increase availability, through measures like licensing agreements.

A patent on a key compound – the primary component of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.

The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Work

The injections imitate a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and increase satiety so users consume fewer calories.

Patients typically begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of beginning the regular doses.

Evidence indicates patients may put most of the weight back on after a year of discontinuing the medication, because their normal appetite return.

To be carrying excess weight raises your chance for developing diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain malignancies.

Obesity affects individuals in every country and was associated with 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.