WHO Sounds Alert Over Critical Shortage of Weight-Loss Medications

Under 10% of individuals that would benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy have access to them, warns the global health agency as it publishes its inaugural advice on the therapies.

Considering over a billion individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.

Based on estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.

"Our new guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be managed with comprehensive and ongoing treatment," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are major obstacles to broad access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing considerable body mass, explains the organization.

Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity

Even under the current best projected scenario, the manufacturing of these medications could only cover around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, per the health organization.

The recommendation encourages nations and manufacturers to expand access, through approaches such as licensing agreements.

A patent on a key compound – the main ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.

How Weight-Loss Jabs Work

These medications imitate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and increase satiety so people reduce food intake.

Individuals usually start to lose weight within a few weeks of starting on the regular doses.

Research points to users may see weight return within a year of stopping the drug, as their typical hunger come back.

To be carrying excess weight increases your chance for experiencing medical conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific cancers.

Obesity affects individuals in all nations and was associated with millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.