The Global Health Body Sounds Warning Over Severe Scarcity of Obesity Injections

Fewer than a tenth of individuals eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy can access them, states the WHO as it releases its first recommendations on the drugs.

Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is advocating for broader and more equitable availability to these injectable treatments.

Based on estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.

"The new guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be managed with holistic and continuous support," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are key barriers to broad availability to the jabs that can help people shift substantial body mass, notes the body.

Weight-Loss Drug Shortage

Despite the present most favorable scenario, the production of GLP-1 therapies might only reach approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, as stated by the WHO.

The advice encourages countries and companies to widen availability, through strategies like licensing agreements.

A patent on a key compound – the main component of a leading brand – is set to lapse in a number of countries in 2026.

How Weight-Loss Jabs Work

GLP-1 drugs replicate a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and boost feelings of fullness so users reduce food intake.

People typically start to lose weight within a few weeks of commencing the regular doses.

Studies indicates people may regain a significant portion after a year of discontinuing the medication, because their typical appetite return.

Being above a healthy weight elevates your risk for developing medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.

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