WHO Sounds Warning Over Critical Scarcity of Obesity Injections

Less than a tenth of individuals eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy can access them, states the World Health Organization as it releases its inaugural advice on the drugs.

Given more than one billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging increased and just access to GLP-1 medication.

According to projections, more than two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.

"The latest guidelines recognises that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be managed with holistic and continuous care," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are major obstacles to universal access to the injections that can help people shift substantial weight, notes the body.

GLP-1 Therapy Shortage

Despite the present best projected case, the supply of such drugs would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, according to the WHO.

The recommendation encourages governments and firms to expand availability, via approaches like voluntary licensing.

A patent on semaglutide – the core ingredient of a leading brand – is set to lapse in several countries in 2026.

The Way Weight-Loss Injections Function

The injections replicate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and increase the sense of being full so people consume fewer calories.

People typically see weight reduction in the initial weeks of starting on the regular doses.

Studies suggests people may see weight return a year later of discontinuing the medication, as their typical food cravings resume.

Being overweight or obese raises your likelihood for experiencing medical conditions, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific cancers.

Excess weight affects individuals in every country and was linked to over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.