World Health Organization Sounds Warning Over Acute Shortage of Weight-Loss Medications

Under 10% of patients that would benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy have access to them, warns the WHO as it publishes its first advice on the medications.

With more than one billion people worldwide now living with obesity, it is advocating for broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.

According to estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.

"Our new guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be addressed with holistic and ongoing care," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are significant barriers to universal access to the injections that can help people shift considerable weight, notes the body.

GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis

Despite the present most favorable outlook, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, according to the health organization.

The advice calls on nations and manufacturers to expand availability, via approaches like licensing agreements.

A patent on semaglutide – the core ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several nations in 2026.

The Way Weight-Loss Injections Work

GLP-1 drugs replicate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and boost feelings of fullness so people consume fewer calories.

Individuals typically begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.

Evidence suggests patients may see weight return within a year of discontinuing the medication, as their usual hunger come back.

Being overweight or obese raises your chance for developing medical conditions, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.

Obesity impacts individuals in all nations and was associated with millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.