WHO Sounds Concern Over Severe Lack of Obesity Medications

Less than 10% of people that would benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy can access them, caution the global health agency as it issues its inaugural recommendations on the drugs.

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

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

"The latest guidelines recognises that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with thorough and lifelong support," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are key obstacles to widespread access to the jabs that can help people shift significant body mass, explains the organization.

GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity

Even under the current most favorable outlook, the production of GLP-1 therapies could only cover around 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, as stated by the WHO.

The recommendation calls on countries and companies to increase availability, via approaches such as voluntary licensing.

Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the core ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in a number of nations in 2026.

The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Work

GLP-1 drugs mimick a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and increase satiety so people consume fewer calories.

People commonly begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of commencing the weekly injections.

Studies suggests patients may see weight return within a year of halting the treatment, because their typical food cravings resume.

Being carrying excess weight raises your risk for experiencing health problems, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.

Obesity impacts people in all nations and was linked to 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.