WHO Raises Alert Over Critical Shortage of Weight-Loss Injections

Under 10% of individuals that would benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy have access to them, warns the global health agency as it issues its inaugural guidance on the medications.

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

According to projections, over two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.

"Our latest guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be treated with holistic and continuous treatment," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are major obstacles to widespread availability to the injections that can assist patients in reducing considerable weight, notes the body.

Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity

Even in the present most optimistic scenario, the manufacturing of such drugs could only cover approximately 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, according to the health organization.

The guideline calls on nations and manufacturers to widen access, by strategies such as voluntary licensing.

The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the core ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.

The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Function

GLP-1 drugs mimick a natural hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and boost feelings of fullness so people reduce food intake.

Patients usually see weight reduction within a few weeks of starting on the weekly injections.

Evidence indicates users may regain a significant portion after a year of halting the treatment, because their typical food cravings return.

To be carrying excess weight elevates your chance for contracting medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain malignancies.

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