World Health Organization Sounds Concern Over Severe Lack of Obesity Medications

Under 10% of individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, warns the World Health Organization as it issues its initial guidance on the drugs.

Given more than one billion people worldwide currently obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable access to these injectable treatments.

Based on projections, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.

"Our new guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be addressed with comprehensive and continuous treatment," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are significant hurdles to universal availability to the treatments that can help people shift substantial body mass, notes the body.

Weight-Loss Drug Shortage

Even under the present most optimistic outlook, the supply of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, according to the health organization.

The guideline urges nations and manufacturers to expand access, through measures like voluntary licensing.

Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the main component of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in multiple nations in 2026.

How Obesity Jabs Function

The injections mimick a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and increase satiety so people consume fewer calories.

Individuals commonly begin shedding pounds after several weeks of commencing the weekly injections.

Studies suggests patients may regain a significant portion within a year of halting the treatment, as their normal food cravings resume.

To be carrying excess weight elevates your likelihood for experiencing diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and some malignancies.

Obesity concerns people in all nations and was associated with millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.