World Health Organization Issues Warning Over Critical Shortage of Weight-Loss Medications

Under one in 10 people who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy have access to them, warns the global health agency as it releases its first guidance on the medications.

With in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide now obese, it is urging broader and more equitable access to these injectable treatments.

Per estimates, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.

"The new guidance affirms that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be treated with comprehensive and continuous care," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Significant expense, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are key obstacles to broad access to the injections that can help people shift substantial weight, notes the agency.

GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis

Despite the present most optimistic case, the supply of these medications would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, per the WHO.

The advice urges nations and manufacturers to expand availability, via approaches including voluntary licensing.

Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the primary component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.

The Way Obesity Drugs Function

GLP-1 drugs replicate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and boost the sense of being full so people consume fewer calories.

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

Evidence suggests patients may put most of the weight back on a year later of halting the drug, because their typical hunger come back.

To be above a healthy weight raises your chance for contracting medical conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some cancers.

Obesity affects people in every country and was responsible for 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.