World Health Organization Sounds Alert Over Severe Lack of Obesity Medications
Fewer than one in 10 individuals that would benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy are able to get them, warns the global health agency as it publishes its inaugural advice on the medications.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer access to GLP-1 medication.
According to projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidance recognises that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with holistic and continuous support," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are key obstacles to broad access to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing significant weight, says the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even under the present most favorable scenario, the production of these medications would only suffice for about 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, as stated by the health organization.
The guideline calls on countries and companies to expand access, via approaches such as voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in a number of countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Drugs Work
GLP-1 drugs mimick a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so people consume fewer calories.
People typically start to lose weight in the initial weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Studies suggests users may put most of the weight back on within a year of stopping the drug, because their usual food cravings resume.
Being overweight or obese elevates your risk for experiencing medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers.
Excess weight impacts individuals in every country and was responsible for 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
