WHO Raises Warning Over Critical Shortage of Obesity Medications

Under one in 10 patients who could benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy are able to get them, warns the global health agency as it publishes its first recommendations on the drugs.

Considering more than one billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for increased and just access to GLP-1 medication.

According to estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.

"Our new guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with holistic and ongoing support," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are significant hurdles to broad access to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing significant body mass, says the agency.

GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis

Despite the current most favorable scenario, the supply of GLP-1 therapies could only cover about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the WHO.

The recommendation encourages countries and companies to increase access, by approaches like licensing agreements.

A patent on a key compound – the main component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is set to lapse in a number of countries in 2026.

The Way Obesity Injections Function

These medications replicate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and enhance feelings of fullness so users eat less.

Patients typically see weight reduction in the initial weeks of beginning the weekly injections.

Research points to patients may regain a significant portion after a year of stopping the drug, as their usual appetite come back.

To be overweight or obese increases your risk for experiencing diseases, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.

Excess weight concerns people in all nations and was linked to 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.