World Health Organization Raises Alert Over Acute Lack of Obesity Injections

Less than a tenth of people who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy are able to get them, states the WHO as it publishes its initial advice on the medications.

Given over a billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is urging increased and just access to these injectable treatments.

Based on projections, over two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.

"Our new guidelines affirms that obesity is a chronic disease that can be addressed with holistic and ongoing support," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Substantial prices, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are key hurdles to universal access to the treatments that can help people shift substantial weight, explains the agency.

Weight-Loss Drug Shortage

Even in the present most favorable outlook, the supply of these medications might only reach about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, per the health organization.

The recommendation encourages countries and companies to increase availability, through strategies including licensing agreements.

A patent on the active ingredient – the core component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in a number of nations in 2026.

The Way Obesity Injections Work

GLP-1 drugs mimick a body's own hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and enhance the sense of being full so users reduce food intake.

Patients commonly begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of commencing the weekly injections.

Research suggests patients may see weight return a year later of stopping the drug, when their normal appetite resume.

To be overweight or obese elevates your chance for developing health problems, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain cancers.

Excess weight impacts individuals in all nations and was associated with millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.