World Health Organization Raises Alert Over Acute Scarcity of Weight-Loss Medications

Less than 10% of people that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy have access to them, states the WHO as it issues its first guidance on the drugs.

With over a billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer availability to GLP-1 medication.

Based on projections, over two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 without intervention.

"Our new guidelines affirms that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be managed with holistic and continuous support," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Substantial prices, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are key hurdles to universal access to the treatments that can help people shift substantial weight, explains the agency.

Weight-Loss Drug Shortage

Even in the present best projected scenario, the production of such drugs could only cover approximately 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, according to the health organization.

The recommendation calls on nations and manufacturers to expand availability, through strategies such as voluntary licensing.

A patent on the active ingredient – the core ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.

The Way Obesity Injections Function

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

Patients typically start to lose weight within a few weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.

Evidence indicates users may regain a significant portion after a year of stopping the treatment, because their typical appetite come back.

Being above a healthy weight elevates your likelihood for contracting diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.

Obesity impacts individuals in all nations and was responsible for 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.