World Health Organization Issues Alert Over Critical Shortage of Obesity Injections

Fewer than one in 10 individuals eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy have access to them, states the global health agency as it publishes its initial guidance on the therapies.

Given over a billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is urging increased and just availability to GLP-1 medication.

Based on projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.

"Our new guidance affirms that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be managed with thorough and ongoing support," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are key hurdles to broad access to the jabs that can help people shift considerable weight, notes the body.

Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity

Even in the current best projected case, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for around 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, according to the WHO.

The advice urges nations and manufacturers to expand access, via approaches such as licensing agreements.

The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the main component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is set to lapse in several countries in 2026.

How Obesity Drugs Function

These medications imitate a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and boost satiety so individuals eat less.

Individuals commonly see weight reduction after several weeks of commencing the regular doses.

Studies suggests users may see weight return a year later of discontinuing the drug, when their usual appetite resume.

Being carrying excess weight increases your chance for developing health problems, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers.

Excess weight impacts individuals in all nations and was associated with millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.