WHO Raises Warning Over Critical Shortage of Weight-Loss Medications

Under one in 10 individuals eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy can access them, warns the global health agency as it publishes its inaugural guidance on the medications.

Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide now obese, it is calling for increased and just access to GLP-1 medication.

Based on forecasts, over two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.

"Our latest guidance recognises that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be managed with holistic and continuous care," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are key barriers to universal access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing considerable weight, notes the organization.

GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity

Despite the current most optimistic scenario, the production of GLP-1 therapies might only reach about 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, per the WHO.

The advice calls on governments and firms to widen availability, through measures including patent sharing.

A patent on semaglutide – the main ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.

How Obesity Jabs Work

The injections replicate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and boost the sense of being full so people eat less.

Individuals typically start to lose weight within a few weeks of beginning the regular doses.

Studies indicates patients may see weight return a year later of stopping the treatment, because their usual appetite resume.

Being overweight or obese increases your chance for experiencing medical conditions, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain cancers.

Obesity affects people in countries worldwide and was linked to millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.