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

Under a tenth of people that would benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy have access to them, caution the WHO as it releases its initial recommendations on the drugs.

With more than one billion individuals worldwide now obese, it is calling for increased and just access to these injectable treatments.

Per forecasts, more than two billion will be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.

"The latest guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with thorough and continuous care," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are major obstacles to broad access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing considerable body mass, notes the body.

GLP-1 Therapy Shortage

Even under the current best projected scenario, the manufacturing of such drugs would only suffice for around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, per the WHO.

The recommendation urges nations and manufacturers to expand availability, through approaches such as patent sharing.

A patent on semaglutide – the main component of a leading brand – is set to lapse in multiple nations in 2026.

The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Function

These medications replicate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and boost the sense of being full so users reduce food intake.

People typically see weight reduction within a few weeks of beginning the regular doses.

Evidence indicates people may regain a significant portion within a year of discontinuing the treatment, when their normal food cravings return.

Being overweight or obese increases your risk for developing medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some malignancies.

Excess weight affects individuals in countries worldwide and was responsible for millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.