World Health Organization Sounds Warning Over Severe Shortage of Obesity Injections
Less than a tenth of people who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy can access them, caution the global health agency as it publishes its first advice on the drugs.
Considering more than one billion individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is calling for more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.
Based on estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The latest guidelines affirms that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be treated with thorough and continuous 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 significant weight, says the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Despite the current best projected case, the supply of these medications would only suffice for about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.
The recommendation calls on countries and companies to expand availability, via approaches like licensing agreements.
The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the main component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Operate
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and boost feelings of fullness so people reduce food intake.
People typically start to lose weight after several weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Studies suggests users may regain a significant portion within a year of stopping the medication, because their usual hunger come back.
Being carrying excess weight raises your likelihood for experiencing health problems, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific cancers.
Obesity impacts people in countries worldwide and was associated with over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
