WHO Issues Concern Over Severe Scarcity of Obesity Medications

Fewer than one in 10 people eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy can access them, states the WHO as it issues its initial guidance on the drugs.

Considering more than one billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.

Per forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.

"Our latest guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with comprehensive and lifelong care," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are key obstacles to broad access to the injections that can help people shift considerable weight, says the organization.

Weight-Loss Drug Shortage

Even in the present best projected outlook, the manufacturing of such drugs could only cover around 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, per the WHO.

The recommendation urges nations and manufacturers to increase availability, by strategies like patent sharing.

A patent on a key compound – the core ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.

The Way Obesity Injections Operate

GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness so people consume fewer calories.

People commonly begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of commencing the regular doses.

Evidence suggests people may see weight return a year later of halting the treatment, as their typical hunger return.

Being overweight or obese raises your risk for contracting diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers.

Excess weight concerns individuals in every country and was responsible for over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.