World Health Organization Issues Warning Over Severe Scarcity of Weight-Loss Medications
Fewer than 10% of patients eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy have access to them, warns the WHO as it releases its inaugural recommendations on the therapies.
Considering over a billion individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is advocating for increased and just access to these injectable treatments.
Per forecasts, over two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The new guidance recognises that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with thorough and continuous support," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are key obstacles to widespread availability to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing considerable body mass, notes the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Despite the current most favorable scenario, the production of such drugs might only reach approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, per the health organization.
The guideline encourages countries and companies to increase availability, via strategies including voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the primary ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Function
The injections replicate a natural hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and enhance the sense of being full so people reduce food intake.
Individuals usually begin shedding pounds after several weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Research suggests people may regain a significant portion after a year of discontinuing the drug, when their normal food cravings come back.
Being overweight or obese increases your likelihood for experiencing diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight impacts people in countries worldwide and was responsible for 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
