The Global Health Body Raises Warning Over Acute Lack of Weight-Loss Injections

Fewer than 10% of individuals eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy are able to get them, warns the WHO as it publishes its inaugural advice on the drugs.

With over a billion individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to GLP-1 medication.

Per estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.

"Our latest guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a long-term condition that can be managed with comprehensive and ongoing treatment," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are major hurdles to universal access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing substantial body mass, says the body.

Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis

Even under the current most favorable scenario, the manufacturing of such drugs would only suffice for around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the WHO.

The guideline calls on governments and firms to expand availability, through measures like licensing agreements.

Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the core ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in multiple nations in 2026.

How Obesity Drugs Work

These medications mimick a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so users consume fewer calories.

Patients typically start to lose weight within a few weeks of beginning the weekly injections.

Evidence suggests users may see weight return a year later of stopping the treatment, when their normal food cravings resume.

To be carrying excess weight elevates your chance for contracting health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers.

Obesity affects people in every country and was associated with millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.