WHO Raises Alert Over Critical Lack of Obesity Medications

Fewer than 10% of patients that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy can access them, states the global health agency as it issues its first recommendations on the drugs.

With more than one billion people worldwide now living with obesity, it is advocating for increased and just availability to these injectable treatments.

Based on projections, over two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.

"The latest guidance affirms that obesity is a long-term condition that can be treated with thorough and ongoing treatment," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are significant barriers to widespread availability to the injections that can assist patients in reducing substantial weight, explains the organization.

Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity

Even under the present best projected outlook, the manufacturing of these medications would only suffice for around 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, according to the WHO.

The advice calls on governments and firms to increase availability, by measures such as voluntary licensing.

The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the main component of a leading brand – is set to lapse in several nations in 2026.

How Weight-Loss Injections Function

These medications mimick a biological compound to slow digestion, reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness so users reduce food intake.

Individuals typically see weight reduction in the initial weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.

Evidence indicates users may regain a significant portion within a year of discontinuing the drug, because their normal hunger return.

Being above a healthy weight increases your risk for experiencing diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and specific malignancies.

Obesity concerns individuals in every country and was linked to 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.