World Health Organization Sounds Concern Over Acute Scarcity of Obesity Injections

Fewer than 10% of patients that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy can access them, caution the World Health Organization as it releases its first guidance on the drugs.

Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging increased and just access to these injectable treatments.

Based on forecasts, over two billion will be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.

"The latest guidelines affirms that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with holistic and continuous care," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Significant expense, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are significant barriers to broad access to the treatments that can help people shift considerable weight, explains the body.

GLP-1 Therapy Shortage

Even in the present most favorable case, the manufacturing of these medications could only cover about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the WHO.

The recommendation urges nations and manufacturers to widen access, through measures such as licensing agreements.

A patent on the active ingredient – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in multiple countries in 2026.

How Weight-Loss Jabs Work

GLP-1 drugs mimick a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so individuals reduce food intake.

Individuals typically begin shedding pounds after several weeks of commencing the regular doses.

Studies suggests patients may see weight return a year later of stopping the treatment, when their usual appetite come back.

Being overweight or obese increases your chance for developing diseases, like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific cancers.

Excess weight impacts people in all nations and was responsible for millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.