WHO Raises Warning Over Critical Shortage of Weight-Loss Injections

Fewer than 10% of patients who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy have access to them, warns the WHO as it releases its inaugural guidance on the therapies.

Considering more than one billion people worldwide now obese, it is urging broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.

Per estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.

"The latest guidance affirms that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with holistic and lifelong treatment," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Significant expense, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are major obstacles to universal availability to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing substantial weight, says the organization.

GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis

Even in the current most optimistic scenario, the supply of such drugs could only cover about 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, per the health organization.

The recommendation urges governments and firms to increase availability, through approaches such as patent sharing.

Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the main ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is set to lapse in several nations in 2026.

The Way Obesity Injections Operate

GLP-1 drugs replicate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and increase satiety so users reduce food intake.

People typically begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of beginning the regular doses.

Research suggests users may see weight return within a year of halting the treatment, as their normal hunger return.

Being carrying excess weight increases your chance for experiencing medical conditions, like diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain cancers.

Excess weight affects individuals in every country and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.