World Health Organization Issues Concern Over Severe Lack of Weight-Loss Injections

Fewer than 10% of individuals who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy can access them, warns the World Health Organization as it issues its inaugural guidance on the medications.

With in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide now living with obesity, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer availability to GLP-1 medication.

According to estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.

"Our latest guidance acknowledges that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with thorough and lifelong support," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are key obstacles to widespread access to the injections that can help people shift considerable weight, notes the body.

Weight-Loss Drug Shortage

Despite the present best projected outlook, the supply of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for about 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, per the health organization.

The guideline calls on governments and firms to increase availability, through approaches including voluntary licensing.

The intellectual property rights on a key compound – the main ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.

The Way Weight-Loss Injections Operate

GLP-1 drugs imitate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and boost feelings of fullness so people eat less.

Patients typically start to lose weight in the initial weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.

Evidence indicates patients may see weight return a year later of discontinuing the treatment, because their usual appetite return.

To be carrying excess weight elevates your risk for contracting diseases, like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers.

Obesity impacts individuals in countries worldwide and was linked to 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.