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

Less than one in 10 people eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy are able to get them, states the global health agency as it issues its inaugural guidance on the therapies.

Given over a billion people worldwide now living with obesity, it is advocating for increased and just availability to this class of drugs.

Based on forecasts, over two billion could be obese by 2030 without intervention.

"The new guidance recognises that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be addressed with holistic and lifelong support," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are significant obstacles to widespread access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing considerable body mass, says the body.

Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis

Despite the present best projected case, the manufacturing of these medications could only cover around 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the WHO.

The guideline urges governments and firms to expand access, by measures including voluntary licensing.

The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the primary ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of nations in 2026.

How Obesity Jabs Operate

The injections imitate a natural hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and enhance feelings of fullness so people consume fewer calories.

Patients usually see weight reduction after several weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.

Studies suggests people may see weight return a year later of discontinuing the medication, because their typical hunger come back.

Being overweight or obese increases your likelihood for contracting health problems, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific malignancies.

Obesity affects individuals in every country and was responsible for 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.