WHO Raises Warning Over Severe Scarcity of Obesity Medications

Fewer than 10% of individuals who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy can access them, states the WHO as it issues its initial advice on the drugs.

Given over a billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable availability to this class of drugs.

Based on projections, more than two billion will be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.

"Our new guidelines affirms that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be managed with comprehensive and lifelong treatment," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are key obstacles to widespread access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing significant body mass, explains the organization.

GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity

Even under the current most favorable outlook, the supply of GLP-1 therapies might only reach around 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, per the WHO.

The advice encourages countries and companies to increase access, via strategies such as voluntary licensing.

Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the core ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.

How Obesity Injections Work

These medications imitate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and boost satiety so people reduce food intake.

Individuals typically start to lose weight within a few weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.

Research points to people may regain a significant portion within a year of discontinuing the drug, because their usual appetite resume.

Being above a healthy weight elevates your chance for contracting diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and specific cancers.

Excess weight concerns people in countries worldwide and was responsible for 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.