World Health Organization Raises Concern Over Severe Lack of Obesity Medications
Less than one in 10 individuals that would benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy have access to them, warns the World Health Organization as it publishes its first recommendations on the therapies.
Given more than one billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging broader and more equitable availability to these injectable treatments.
Based on forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidance recognises that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be managed with holistic and ongoing treatment," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are major hurdles to universal access to the jabs that can help people shift considerable body mass, explains the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even under the current most favorable outlook, the production of such drugs might only reach around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, according to the WHO.
The advice urges nations and manufacturers to expand access, via strategies including licensing agreements.
A patent on the active ingredient – the main component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Operate
GLP-1 drugs replicate a natural hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and boost satiety so people consume fewer calories.
People typically begin shedding pounds after several weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Evidence suggests patients may regain a significant portion within a year of stopping the drug, because their typical food cravings come back.
To be carrying excess weight raises your chance for developing medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific malignancies.
Obesity affects people in countries worldwide and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
