WHO Raises Warning Over Critical Scarcity of Obesity Injections

Less than one in 10 individuals eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy are able to get them, caution the global health agency as it issues its first recommendations on the medications.

Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide now living with obesity, it is calling for broader and more equitable access to this class of drugs.

Per estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.

"Our latest guidance affirms that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be treated with comprehensive and ongoing support," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Substantial prices, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are significant obstacles to broad access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, explains the agency.

GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis

Even in the current best projected case, the supply of these medications could only cover approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, as stated by the WHO.

The guideline urges countries and companies to increase access, through measures including patent sharing.

Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the primary component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is set to lapse in a number of nations in 2026.

How Obesity Jabs Operate

These medications imitate a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and boost satiety so individuals consume fewer calories.

Individuals typically see weight reduction within a few weeks of beginning the weekly injections.

Studies suggests users may see weight return after a year of stopping the drug, as their usual appetite return.

Being overweight or obese raises your likelihood for experiencing diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and some cancers.

Obesity impacts individuals in countries worldwide and was associated with over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.