World Health Organization Raises Concern Over Acute Lack of Weight-Loss Injections

Under one in 10 people that would benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy have access to them, warns the WHO as it releases its inaugural advice on the medications.

With over a billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is advocating for increased and just access to GLP-1 medication.

Based on projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be obese by 2030 without intervention.

"The latest guidance affirms that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be managed with thorough and continuous treatment," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are major barriers to broad access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing significant body mass, notes the organization.

GLP-1 Therapy Shortage

Even under the current most optimistic scenario, the production of such drugs might only reach approximately 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, according to the WHO.

The advice encourages countries and companies to increase availability, through approaches like patent sharing.

Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the primary component of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.

The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Function

GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and increase satiety so individuals consume fewer calories.

People commonly start to lose weight in the initial weeks of commencing the weekly injections.

Evidence indicates people may regain a significant portion a year later of halting the medication, because their usual hunger return.

To be overweight or obese raises your risk for developing health problems, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain malignancies.

Obesity concerns people in countries worldwide and was associated with millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.