World Health Organization Sounds Warning Over Critical Shortage of Weight-Loss Medications

Less than one in 10 individuals that would benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy have access to them, warns the global health agency as it publishes its initial recommendations on the therapies.

With more than one billion people worldwide now obese, it is calling for more widespread and fairer access to GLP-1 medication.

According to projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be obese by 2030 without intervention.

"The new guidelines recognises that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive and ongoing support," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are key barriers to widespread access to the treatments that can help people shift considerable body mass, says the organization.

GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis

Even under the present most favorable case, the production of GLP-1 therapies could only cover around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, according to the health organization.

The recommendation urges governments and firms to increase availability, through strategies including licensing agreements.

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

The Way Obesity Injections Work

GLP-1 drugs imitate a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and increase satiety so people consume fewer calories.

Patients usually begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of commencing the weekly injections.

Studies points to people may see weight return within a year of halting the drug, as their typical hunger come back.

Being above a healthy weight elevates your likelihood for developing medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.

Obesity affects people in countries worldwide and was associated with millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.