WHO Raises Alert Over Severe Shortage of Obesity Medications
Fewer than 10% of individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, states the WHO as it releases its first recommendations on the medications.
With over a billion individuals worldwide now living with obesity, it is advocating for increased and just availability to this class of drugs.
According to forecasts, over two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be managed with comprehensive and ongoing care," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are major hurdles to universal access to the jabs that can help people shift substantial body mass, notes the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even in the present best projected outlook, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies could only cover approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, according to the WHO.
The guideline urges countries and companies to expand access, by strategies such as voluntary licensing.
A patent on a key compound – the core ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Jabs Operate
These medications replicate a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so users reduce food intake.
People usually see weight reduction in the initial weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Studies suggests patients may regain a significant portion within a year of discontinuing the medication, because their normal food cravings resume.
To be carrying excess weight raises your likelihood for developing health problems, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some cancers.
Excess weight impacts individuals in countries worldwide and was associated with over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
