The Global Health Body Sounds Warning Over Acute Scarcity of Weight-Loss Medications

Under one in 10 individuals eligible to benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy have access to them, warns the World Health Organization as it releases its first advice on the medications.

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

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

"Our new guidance recognises that obesity is a chronic disease that can be managed with holistic and lifelong treatment," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Significant expense, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are major hurdles to universal access to the jabs that can help people shift significant body mass, explains the agency.

GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity

Even under the current most optimistic case, the manufacturing of such drugs might only reach about 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, according to the health organization.

The recommendation urges countries and companies to increase access, via strategies like licensing agreements.

A patent on the active ingredient – the core ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.

The Way Obesity Jabs Operate

The injections replicate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and enhance satiety so users eat less.

People usually see weight reduction within a few weeks of commencing the weekly injections.

Studies indicates people may regain a significant portion after a year of halting the drug, because their normal hunger return.

To be overweight or obese raises your risk for developing health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific cancers.

Obesity concerns individuals in countries worldwide and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.