WHO Sounds Alert Over Acute Lack of Weight-Loss Medications
Fewer than one in 10 patients who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy have access to them, warns the global health agency as it publishes its inaugural guidance on the medications.
Considering more than one billion individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.
Per projections, more than two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidance acknowledges that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be managed with thorough and lifelong treatment," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are major hurdles to widespread availability to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing significant body mass, notes the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity
Despite the current best projected case, the manufacturing of such drugs might only reach approximately 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.
The advice encourages nations and manufacturers to increase availability, via strategies including patent sharing.
The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the core component of a leading brand – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Jabs Work
These medications mimick a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so users consume fewer calories.
Individuals usually begin shedding pounds after several weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Evidence suggests people may put most of the weight back on within a year of halting the medication, because their usual hunger return.
To be carrying excess weight raises your likelihood for experiencing medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain cancers.
Excess weight affects people in countries worldwide and was linked to 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.