WHO Sounds Warning Over Acute Scarcity of Obesity Injections

Fewer than one in 10 patients that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy have access to them, warns the global health agency as it issues its first recommendations on the therapies.

With more than one billion people worldwide currently obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.

According to forecasts, over two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.

"Our latest guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a chronic disease that can be managed with thorough and continuous care," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Significant expense, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are major obstacles to universal access to the treatments that can help people shift considerable weight, explains the organization.

Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis

Despite the present most favorable scenario, the supply of such drugs could only cover around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, according to the health organization.

The guideline encourages nations and manufacturers to widen access, by approaches including voluntary licensing.

The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is set to lapse in several nations in 2026.

How Obesity Injections Function

The injections replicate a biological compound to slow digestion, reduce hunger and enhance feelings of fullness so users reduce food intake.

Patients commonly begin shedding pounds after several weeks of beginning the regular doses.

Studies points to people may regain a significant portion after a year of halting the treatment, as their normal food cravings return.

Being overweight or obese increases your risk for experiencing health problems, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain cancers.

Obesity affects individuals in countries worldwide and was responsible for millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.