WHO Issues Concern Over Severe Scarcity of Weight-Loss Medications

Fewer than one in 10 patients who could benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy are able to get them, states the WHO as it issues its inaugural advice on the therapies.

Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently obese, it is urging increased and just availability to this class of drugs.

According to forecasts, more than two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.

"Our latest guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with thorough and continuous care," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are key obstacles to widespread access to the treatments that can help people shift considerable body mass, notes the body.

GLP-1 Therapy Shortage

Even in the current best projected case, the supply of such drugs would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, according to the health organization.

The advice encourages countries and companies to expand access, through measures including patent sharing.

Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the core component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.

The Way Obesity Drugs Operate

These medications mimick a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and increase satiety so individuals reduce food intake.

Patients commonly see weight reduction within a few weeks of commencing the weekly injections.

Research points to people may regain a significant portion after a year of halting the drug, because their usual food cravings return.

Being above a healthy weight increases your risk for developing health problems, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain malignancies.

Obesity affects people in all nations and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.