WHO Sounds Warning Over Severe Scarcity of Weight-Loss Medications

Less than one in 10 patients that would benefit from obesity jabs like Wegovy have access to them, caution the global health agency as it releases its first advice on the drugs.

With over a billion people worldwide currently obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.

According to estimates, more than two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.

"Our latest guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a long-term condition that can be treated with holistic and ongoing care," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Substantial prices, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are major hurdles to universal access to the jabs that can help people shift significant weight, says the body.

GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis

Despite the current best projected outlook, the production of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for around 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, according to the WHO.

The advice calls on nations and manufacturers to expand access, through measures like voluntary licensing.

Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the main ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in multiple nations in 2026.

The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Operate

GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so individuals consume fewer calories.

People typically begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of beginning the regular doses.

Evidence indicates people may see weight return within a year of stopping the drug, because their normal hunger return.

Being above a healthy weight raises your likelihood for experiencing diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.

Obesity impacts people in all nations and was responsible for 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.