The Global Health Body Raises Concern Over Severe Shortage of Weight-Loss Medications
Under 10% of individuals eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy have access to them, warns the World Health Organization as it releases its inaugural advice on the therapies.
Given more than one billion people worldwide now obese, it is calling for more widespread and fairer availability to this class of drugs.
Per forecasts, over two billion could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidance acknowledges that obesity is a long-term condition that can be managed with thorough and lifelong care," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are key hurdles to broad access to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing substantial weight, says the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Even in the present most optimistic scenario, the production of such drugs could only cover approximately 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, per the WHO.
The advice calls on countries and companies to increase access, by strategies like voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the primary component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Work
These medications imitate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and increase feelings of fullness so people consume fewer calories.
Individuals typically begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.
Evidence suggests people may see weight return a year later of stopping the medication, when their normal food cravings return.
Being carrying excess weight elevates your risk for experiencing medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain cancers.
Excess weight impacts people in countries worldwide and was linked to 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
