The Global Health Body Raises Warning Over Acute Shortage of Obesity Medications

Fewer than a tenth of individuals eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy can access them, states the WHO as it issues its inaugural guidance on the drugs.

With over a billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is urging increased and just access to GLP-1 medication.

Per forecasts, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.

"Our latest guidelines affirms that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with comprehensive and ongoing support," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Significant expense, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are significant obstacles to widespread availability to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing considerable weight, notes the agency.

Skinny Jab Shortage

Despite the current most optimistic scenario, the supply of such drugs could only cover around 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, as stated by the WHO.

The recommendation encourages nations and manufacturers to increase access, via strategies such as licensing agreements.

Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the core ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.

How Weight-Loss Jabs Work

The injections mimick a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and boost the sense of being full so users eat less.

Individuals commonly see weight reduction after several weeks of starting on the weekly injections.

Research points to people may put most of the weight back on within a year of stopping the medication, because their typical food cravings return.

Being above a healthy weight elevates your likelihood for developing health problems, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.

Excess weight affects people in countries worldwide and was associated with millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.