The Global Health Body Issues Warning Over Acute Scarcity of Weight-Loss Medications

Less than a tenth of patients that would benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy are able to get them, caution the World Health Organization as it publishes its initial advice on the therapies.

With over a billion individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is calling for increased and just access to these injectable treatments.

According to estimates, over two billion will be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.

"The latest guidance acknowledges that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be treated with thorough and ongoing treatment," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are significant hurdles to widespread availability to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, notes the body.

Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis

Despite the present best projected scenario, the supply of these medications might only reach about 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, according to the WHO.

The recommendation encourages nations and manufacturers to expand access, through strategies like licensing agreements.

Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the primary ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.

How Weight-Loss Drugs Work

The injections imitate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and enhance satiety so users consume fewer calories.

People typically see weight reduction after several weeks of starting on the weekly injections.

Research points to patients may regain a significant portion within a year of stopping the medication, because their typical hunger come back.

To be above a healthy weight increases your likelihood for developing health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific malignancies.

Excess weight affects individuals in all nations and was associated with 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.