The Global Health Body Issues Alert Over Acute Lack of Obesity Medications

Less than 10% of people that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy can access them, warns the World Health Organization as it issues its inaugural advice on the medications.

Considering more than one billion individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is advocating for increased and just access to these injectable treatments.

According to estimates, over two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.

"The new guidelines affirms that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be managed with thorough and continuous care," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are key barriers to universal access to the jabs that can help people shift considerable weight, says the organization.

GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity

Despite the current best projected scenario, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for about 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, per the health organization.

The guideline calls on governments and firms to increase access, by approaches including voluntary licensing.

A patent on the active ingredient – the primary ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.

The Way Weight-Loss Injections Work

The injections replicate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so individuals reduce food intake.

People usually begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of starting on the weekly injections.

Evidence points to users may regain a significant portion a year later of discontinuing the medication, when their typical hunger resume.

To be carrying excess weight elevates your risk for contracting health problems, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.

Excess weight affects people in every country and was associated with over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.