The Global Health Body Sounds Warning Over Acute Shortage of Weight-Loss Injections
Less than a tenth of individuals eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy have access to them, states the global health agency as it publishes its initial advice on the medications.
With over a billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is advocating for broader and more equitable availability to GLP-1 medication.
Based on projections, more than two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidance acknowledges that obesity is a chronic disease that can be managed with holistic and continuous care," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are major hurdles to widespread access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing substantial body mass, says the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Despite the current most optimistic case, the supply of such drugs might only reach approximately 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, as stated by the health organization.
The recommendation urges countries and companies to expand availability, via approaches such as licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the primary component of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in a number of nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Function
These medications imitate a natural hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and enhance feelings of fullness so individuals consume fewer calories.
Patients commonly start to lose weight in the initial weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Research suggests users may regain a significant portion after a year of halting the treatment, because their usual food cravings return.
Being carrying excess weight elevates your likelihood for experiencing medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Obesity affects people in every country and was linked to 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.