World Health Organization Raises Warning Over Severe Shortage of Obesity Medications

Less than one in 10 people eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy are able to get them, states the WHO as it issues its initial advice on the drugs.

Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide now obese, it is urging increased and just availability to GLP-1 medication.

Based on estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.

"The latest guidance affirms that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be managed with comprehensive and lifelong support," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are key barriers to broad availability to the injections that can aid individuals in losing considerable body mass, explains the organization.

Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity

Even in the current best projected outlook, the supply of such drugs could only cover about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, according to the WHO.

The recommendation calls on governments and firms to widen availability, by measures like voluntary licensing.

A patent on the active ingredient – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is set to lapse in several countries in 2026.

The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Function

These medications imitate a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and increase the sense of being full so individuals consume fewer calories.

People typically start to lose weight after several weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.

Studies points to people may see weight return within a year of discontinuing the drug, because their usual appetite resume.

To be carrying excess weight increases your chance for contracting health problems, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain cancers.

Obesity impacts people in all nations and was linked to millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.