The Global Health Body Raises Alert Over Severe Shortage of Weight-Loss Injections

Under one in 10 patients who could benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy can access them, caution the WHO as it publishes its inaugural recommendations on the medications.

Considering over a billion individuals worldwide now living with obesity, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer access to this class of drugs.

Per forecasts, over two billion will be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.

"Our new guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be managed with thorough and ongoing care," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are key obstacles to widespread availability to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing considerable body mass, explains the body.

GLP-1 Therapy Shortage

Even under the present best projected case, the manufacturing of these medications could only cover around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, according to the WHO.

The recommendation encourages countries and companies to increase availability, through strategies including licensing agreements.

A patent on the active ingredient – the primary component of the drug Wegovy – is set to lapse in a number of countries in 2026.

The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Work

These medications replicate a biological compound to slow digestion, curb appetite and boost feelings of fullness so people consume fewer calories.

Patients typically see weight reduction within a few weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.

Studies indicates users may put most of the weight back on within a year of halting the drug, when their usual food cravings come back.

Being above a healthy weight raises your chance for developing medical conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific malignancies.

Obesity impacts individuals in countries worldwide and was linked to millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.