World Health Organization Sounds Concern Over Critical Shortage of Weight-Loss Injections

Under one in 10 individuals eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy are able to get them, states the global health agency as it publishes its initial recommendations on the medications.

Considering over a billion people worldwide currently obese, it is urging broader and more equitable availability to these injectable treatments.

According to forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.

"Our latest guidelines affirms that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with holistic and continuous support," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are major obstacles to widespread availability to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing considerable weight, explains the agency.

GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity

Even under the present best projected outlook, the production of these medications would only suffice for about 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, per the WHO.

The recommendation urges countries and companies to widen availability, through measures including licensing agreements.

A patent on the active ingredient – the main ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.

The Way Obesity Jabs Operate

GLP-1 drugs mimick a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and increase the sense of being full so people consume fewer calories.

People typically start to lose weight within a few weeks of commencing the regular doses.

Research indicates users may regain a significant portion after a year of discontinuing the medication, because their typical food cravings come back.

To be carrying excess weight raises your likelihood for developing medical conditions, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.

Excess weight concerns people in every country and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.