WHO Raises Alert Over Acute Scarcity of Obesity Medications

Under a tenth of people eligible to benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy have access to them, warns the WHO as it publishes its initial guidance on the therapies.

Given over a billion individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is advocating for broader and more equitable availability to GLP-1 medication.

Per estimates, over two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.

"The new guidelines affirms that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be managed with comprehensive and ongoing treatment," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are key barriers to broad access to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing substantial body mass, notes the body.

GLP-1 Therapy Shortage

Even under the present best projected outlook, the supply of GLP-1 therapies could only cover approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the WHO.

The advice encourages governments and firms to expand access, by approaches like licensing agreements.

A patent on semaglutide – the core component of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in multiple countries in 2026.

How Weight-Loss Injections Operate

The injections imitate a biological compound to slow digestion, reduce hunger and boost feelings of fullness so individuals consume fewer calories.

Individuals typically see weight reduction within a few weeks of commencing the weekly injections.

Research points to users may regain a significant portion after a year of stopping the medication, as their usual hunger resume.

Being carrying excess weight increases your risk for developing diseases, like diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain cancers.

Excess weight impacts people in every country and was associated with millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.