World Health Organization Sounds Warning Over Critical Shortage of Weight-Loss Medications
Under a tenth of individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy can access them, warns the global health agency as it issues its inaugural recommendations on the therapies.
Given over a billion individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is advocating for increased and just access to GLP-1 medication.
Per projections, more than two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be managed with thorough and ongoing treatment," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are key hurdles to widespread access to the treatments that can help people shift significant body mass, says the organization.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Despite the present most favorable outlook, the manufacturing of such drugs could only cover about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, according to the health organization.
The advice calls on governments and firms to widen availability, by measures including licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the primary component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
How Obesity Drugs Work
GLP-1 drugs replicate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and boost feelings of fullness so people reduce food intake.
Individuals usually see weight reduction within a few weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.
Studies indicates people may see weight return after a year of stopping the drug, as their usual hunger come back.
Being overweight or obese raises your chance for contracting medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific malignancies.
Obesity impacts individuals in every country and was linked to over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
