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

Under one in 10 people that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy have access to them, states the World Health Organization as it releases its initial advice on the drugs.

Given more than one billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable access to these injectable treatments.

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

"The latest guidance affirms that obesity is a chronic disease that can be managed with comprehensive and continuous treatment," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Substantial prices, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are key obstacles to broad access to the jabs that can help people shift substantial weight, says the body.

Weight-Loss Drug Shortage

Even under the present best projected case, the supply of such drugs could only cover about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, as stated by the health organization.

The recommendation encourages countries and companies to increase availability, via approaches like patent sharing.

The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the core component of the drug Wegovy – is set to lapse in several nations in 2026.

The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Operate

GLP-1 drugs replicate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and enhance satiety so individuals reduce food intake.

Individuals typically see weight reduction after several weeks of beginning the regular doses.

Research indicates people may regain a significant portion after a year of discontinuing the drug, as their normal food cravings return.

Being carrying excess weight elevates your likelihood for experiencing medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain malignancies.

Obesity impacts people in countries worldwide and was responsible for 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.