The Global Health Body Sounds Alert Over Critical Shortage of Obesity Medications

Less than one in 10 individuals who could benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy are able to get them, states the World Health Organization as it publishes its first advice on the therapies.

Considering over a billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is advocating for broader and more equitable availability to these injectable treatments.

Based on estimates, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.

"The new guidance acknowledges that obesity is a long-term condition that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong support," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are significant hurdles to broad access to the injections that can help people shift substantial body mass, says the body.

Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity

Even in the present best projected case, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies could only cover approximately 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, per the WHO.

The guideline urges governments and firms to increase access, through approaches including patent sharing.

Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the core ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.

How Weight-Loss Injections Work

These medications replicate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and boost feelings of fullness so users consume fewer calories.

People typically see weight reduction within a few weeks of commencing the regular doses.

Evidence suggests patients may put most of the weight back on within a year of halting the medication, because their usual appetite resume.

Being above a healthy weight raises your risk for developing diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some cancers.

Obesity affects people in every country and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.