World Health Organization Issues Warning Over Severe Shortage of Weight-Loss Jabs
Fewer than a tenth of people eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy can access them, states the World Health Organization as it publishes its inaugural advice on the medications.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is urging increased and just access to this class of drugs.
Based on estimates, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The new guidance recognises that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be treated with comprehensive and continuous support," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are major obstacles to universal access to the treatments that can help people shift significant weight, explains the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even under the present most optimistic outlook, the supply of these medications might only reach about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, according to the WHO.
The advice encourages governments and firms to increase availability, via measures like patent sharing.
A patent on semaglutide – the primary component of a leading brand – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Drugs Work
GLP-1 drugs replicate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and increase feelings of fullness so people reduce food intake.
Patients typically see weight reduction within a few weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Studies points to people may see weight return within a year of discontinuing the treatment, as their typical hunger return.
Being overweight or obese raises your risk for developing medical conditions, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific cancers.
Excess weight impacts people in all nations and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.