World Health Organization Sounds Concern Over Acute Shortage of Obesity Medications
Under 10% of patients eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy are able to get them, states the World Health Organization as it publishes its initial recommendations on the therapies.
With over a billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is urging increased and just access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on forecasts, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidance recognises that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be treated with holistic and continuous care," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are key barriers to universal access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing significant body mass, notes the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Even under the present most optimistic outlook, the supply of these medications would only suffice for around 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the WHO.
The guideline urges governments and firms to expand access, via approaches including voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the main ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Jabs Operate
These medications replicate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and enhance satiety so people 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 within a year of halting the medication, when their usual hunger resume.
Being overweight or obese raises your chance for experiencing health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain cancers.
Excess weight impacts people in every country and was linked to 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
