World Health Organization Sounds Warning Over Severe Scarcity of Weight-Loss Injections

Less than a tenth of people eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy have access to them, states the global health agency as it releases its initial guidance on the drugs.

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

According to forecasts, more than two billion will be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.

"Our new guidance affirms that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be treated with holistic and ongoing support," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are significant barriers to universal access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing substantial weight, explains the agency.

GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity

Even in the present best projected outlook, the manufacturing of these medications would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, per the health organization.

The recommendation encourages governments and firms to increase availability, by approaches such as licensing agreements.

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

The Way Weight-Loss Injections Operate

The injections mimick a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and boost satiety so individuals consume fewer calories.

Patients typically see weight reduction after several weeks of starting on the regular doses.

Evidence suggests patients may regain a significant portion a year later of stopping the medication, because their normal hunger return.

Being overweight or obese increases your risk for contracting health problems, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain malignancies.

Excess weight affects individuals in all nations and was linked to 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.