World Health Organization Raises Concern Over Severe Shortage of Weight-Loss Medications

Fewer than 10% of people eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy can access them, warns the WHO as it publishes its initial guidance on the medications.

With over a billion people worldwide now obese, it is advocating for broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.

Per estimates, over two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.

"Our new guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be treated with thorough and lifelong support," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are significant barriers to universal availability to the injections that can help people shift considerable weight, notes the body.

GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity

Even under the present best projected outlook, the supply of these medications might only reach approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, per the health organization.

The guideline encourages governments and firms to increase access, via strategies including patent sharing.

A patent on a key compound – the main ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.

How Weight-Loss Jabs Work

GLP-1 drugs replicate a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and boost satiety so individuals eat less.

Individuals commonly see weight reduction within a few weeks of starting on the regular doses.

Evidence indicates patients may put most of the weight back on a year later of stopping the medication, as their typical food cravings return.

To be overweight or obese elevates your risk for experiencing medical conditions, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific cancers.

Obesity affects individuals in every country and was responsible for 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.