The Global Health Body Issues Warning Over Severe Lack of Obesity Injections

Fewer than 10% of people that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy can access them, caution the World Health Organization as it releases its first guidance on the medications.

Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is urging broader and more equitable availability to this class of drugs.

According to projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.

"Our new guidelines recognises that obesity is a chronic disease that can be addressed with thorough and ongoing care," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are key obstacles to widespread access to the treatments that can help people shift substantial body mass, explains the body.

Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity

Even under the current most favorable case, the production of such drugs would only suffice for about 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, according to the WHO.

The recommendation encourages governments and firms to expand access, through strategies including licensing agreements.

Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the core ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.

How Weight-Loss Injections Work

These medications mimick a natural hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and increase the sense of being full so people eat less.

Patients usually begin shedding pounds after several weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.

Studies suggests users may see weight return within a year of stopping the treatment, because their usual appetite return.

Being above a healthy weight elevates your chance for contracting medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers.

Excess weight concerns people in every country and was responsible for millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.