The Global Health Body Raises Concern Over Severe Scarcity of Weight-Loss Medications

Under one in 10 patients that would benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy have access to them, warns the WHO as it publishes its inaugural advice on the therapies.

Considering more than one billion individuals worldwide now living with obesity, it is advocating for broader and more equitable availability to these injectable treatments.

Based on forecasts, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.

"Our new guidance recognises that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be managed with holistic and ongoing treatment," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are significant hurdles to universal access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing substantial body mass, explains the agency.

GLP-1 Therapy Shortage

Even in the current best projected case, the manufacturing of such drugs might only reach approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, per the health organization.

The recommendation calls on countries and companies to widen access, through measures including patent sharing.

A patent on semaglutide – the core ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in several nations in 2026.

The Way Obesity Drugs Work

These medications imitate a biological compound to slow digestion, curb appetite and enhance satiety so users consume fewer calories.

Patients commonly start to lose weight after several weeks of beginning the regular doses.

Studies suggests users may regain a significant portion after a year of stopping the treatment, as their usual food cravings resume.

Being overweight or obese raises your risk for contracting diseases, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.

Excess weight affects people in every country and was linked to millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.