World Health Organization Issues Concern Over Acute Lack of Weight-Loss Injections

Fewer than a tenth of people who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy can access them, states the WHO as it publishes its initial guidance on the medications.

Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for increased and just availability to GLP-1 medication.

According to estimates, over two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.

"Our new guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be managed with holistic and ongoing support," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are significant barriers to widespread access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing considerable body mass, says the body.

GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis

Despite the current best projected outlook, the production of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for about 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, per the WHO.

The guideline urges nations and manufacturers to expand availability, via strategies like patent sharing.

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

How Obesity Drugs Function

The injections mimick a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so users consume fewer calories.

People typically start to lose weight in the initial weeks of starting on the regular doses.

Research suggests patients may see weight return within a year of discontinuing the medication, as their usual hunger return.

To be carrying excess weight elevates your risk for experiencing medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain malignancies.

Excess weight concerns individuals in countries worldwide and was associated with millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.