WHO Raises Alert Over Critical Scarcity of Obesity Injections

Fewer than 10% of individuals who could benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy have access to them, caution the global health agency as it publishes its first recommendations on the therapies.

Considering more than one billion individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for more widespread and fairer availability to GLP-1 medication.

Based on projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be obese by 2030 without intervention.

"The latest guidance affirms that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be treated with holistic and lifelong treatment," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are major obstacles to widespread access to the injections that can help people shift substantial body mass, notes the body.

GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity

Despite the current most favorable outlook, the manufacturing of such drugs would only suffice for about 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, according to the WHO.

The guideline urges countries and companies to expand access, by measures including licensing agreements.

A patent on semaglutide – the primary ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.

How Weight-Loss Drugs Work

GLP-1 drugs mimick a body's own hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and boost the sense of being full so individuals eat less.

People typically begin shedding pounds after several weeks of beginning the regular doses.

Evidence points to users may regain a significant portion a year later of halting the medication, as their normal hunger resume.

To be overweight or obese increases your risk for experiencing health problems, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific malignancies.

Obesity affects people in countries worldwide and was associated with over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.