WHO Raises Warning Over Critical Lack of Obesity Medications

Less than 10% of individuals who could benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy have access to them, states the World Health Organization as it releases its first recommendations on the therapies.

With over a billion people worldwide now living with obesity, it is calling for broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.

Per forecasts, over two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.

"Our new guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a chronic disease that can be managed with holistic and lifelong support," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are significant barriers to universal availability to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, notes the body.

GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity

Even in the present most optimistic scenario, the manufacturing of these medications would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, as stated by the WHO.

The advice encourages governments and firms to expand availability, by strategies like licensing agreements.

A patent on semaglutide – the primary ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is set to lapse in multiple nations in 2026.

How Weight-Loss Injections Work

These medications mimick a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and enhance feelings of fullness so users consume fewer calories.

Patients usually see weight reduction after several weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.

Research suggests people may regain a significant portion a year later of halting the treatment, as their normal appetite return.

To be carrying excess weight elevates your risk for experiencing medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.

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