World Health Organization Issues Warning Over Critical Lack of Weight-Loss Injections

Less than one in 10 people who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, caution the WHO as it publishes its initial guidance on the medications.

Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently obese, it is urging broader and more equitable availability to these injectable treatments.

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

"Our latest guidelines affirms that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive and continuous support," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are key barriers to universal access to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing substantial weight, says the organization.

GLP-1 Therapy Shortage

Despite the current most favorable case, the supply of these medications might only reach around 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, according to the health organization.

The guideline calls on countries and companies to widen access, by strategies including voluntary licensing.

A patent on the active ingredient – the primary component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of nations in 2026.

The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Function

The injections replicate a natural hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness so people reduce food intake.

Individuals typically start to lose weight within a few weeks of starting on the regular doses.

Evidence indicates patients may put most of the weight back on after a year of stopping the treatment, when their typical appetite return.

Being above a healthy weight increases your likelihood for experiencing health problems, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain malignancies.

Excess weight affects individuals in countries worldwide and was linked to millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.