The Global Health Body Raises Warning Over Critical Shortage of Obesity Injections

Under a tenth of people eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy are able to get them, warns the WHO as it releases its inaugural guidance on the medications.

With over a billion individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging more widespread and fairer availability to GLP-1 medication.

Per estimates, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 without intervention.

"Our latest guidance recognises that obesity is a long-term condition that can be managed with comprehensive and continuous treatment," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Substantial prices, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are key obstacles to widespread access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing substantial body mass, notes the agency.

Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis

Even in the current most optimistic case, the supply of such drugs could only cover around 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, as stated by the health organization.

The guideline calls on nations and manufacturers to widen availability, via measures including voluntary licensing.

A patent on a key compound – the main component of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in multiple countries in 2026.

The Way Obesity Jabs Operate

The injections mimick a biological compound to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and boost satiety so users eat less.

Patients typically start to lose weight in the initial weeks of beginning the regular doses.

Studies indicates users may regain a significant portion a year later of stopping the medication, when their usual hunger resume.

Being overweight or obese elevates your likelihood for experiencing medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some malignancies.

Excess weight affects individuals in all nations and was responsible for millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.