WHO Sounds Concern Over Severe Shortage of Obesity Medications
Less than one in 10 individuals that would benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy can access them, states the World Health Organization as it publishes its inaugural recommendations on the medications.
Considering more than one billion individuals worldwide now obese, it is calling for increased and just availability to GLP-1 medication.
Based on projections, over two billion could be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidance affirms that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with holistic and ongoing support," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are key obstacles to widespread access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, explains the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even in the current best projected outlook, the production of GLP-1 therapies might only reach approximately 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, per the WHO.
The advice encourages governments and firms to expand access, through strategies such as voluntary licensing.
The intellectual property rights on a key compound – the primary component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is set to lapse in a number of nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Operate
These medications mimick a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and boost satiety so individuals reduce food intake.
Individuals typically begin shedding pounds after several weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Research points to users may put most of the weight back on within a year of halting the medication, as their normal hunger come back.
Being above a healthy weight increases your risk for experiencing health problems, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain cancers.
Obesity concerns people in countries worldwide and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
