The Global Health Body Raises Alert Over Acute Shortage of Weight-Loss Medications
Under a tenth of people who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy are able to get them, states the global health agency as it publishes its inaugural recommendations on the medications.
Given over a billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.
Based on forecasts, over two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidance affirms that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with thorough and continuous support," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are key barriers to widespread availability to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing significant weight, says the organization.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even under the present most optimistic case, the supply of such drugs could only cover around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the WHO.
The recommendation encourages governments and firms to expand availability, through strategies like licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the primary component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
How Obesity Drugs Operate
The injections mimick a natural hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and boost feelings of fullness so users reduce food intake.
Individuals commonly see weight reduction in the initial weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Research suggests patients may regain a significant portion within a year of stopping the medication, when their usual food cravings come back.
Being above a healthy weight elevates your risk for contracting health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.
Obesity concerns individuals in countries worldwide and was responsible for millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
