The Global Health Body Sounds Concern Over Severe Lack of Obesity Medications

Under 10% of people who could benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy have access to them, states the WHO as it issues its first advice on the drugs.

Considering over a billion individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is calling for broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.

According to projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be obese by 2030 without intervention.

"Our new guidance acknowledges that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with holistic and ongoing care," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are key barriers to broad access to the treatments that can help people shift significant body mass, explains the agency.

GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis

Despite the current most optimistic outlook, the manufacturing of these medications would only suffice for about 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, per the WHO.

The recommendation calls on nations and manufacturers to expand availability, through strategies including voluntary licensing.

The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the core ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in multiple countries in 2026.

How Obesity Jabs Function

GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so users reduce food intake.

Patients typically see weight reduction in the initial weeks of commencing the weekly injections.

Studies indicates people may see weight return a year later of stopping the treatment, as their usual hunger resume.

To be carrying excess weight raises your risk for contracting medical conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain malignancies.

Excess weight concerns people in countries worldwide and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.