WHO Sounds Warning Over Critical Scarcity of Weight-Loss Medications

Less than a tenth of individuals who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy can access them, caution the WHO as it publishes its first advice on the medications.

Considering more than one billion individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is advocating for broader and more equitable availability to this class of drugs.

Per estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.

"Our new guidance affirms that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with comprehensive and continuous care," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are significant barriers to widespread access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing considerable body mass, explains the organization.

Skinny Jab Shortage

Even in the current best projected scenario, the supply of GLP-1 therapies could only cover approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, according to the health organization.

The guideline calls on countries and companies to increase access, through strategies including voluntary licensing.

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

The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Work

The injections imitate a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and increase the sense of being full so users eat less.

Patients usually start to lose weight within a few weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.

Studies points to people may put most of the weight back on a year later of halting the medication, as their normal food cravings come back.

To be carrying excess weight elevates your likelihood for contracting health problems, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific cancers.

Obesity affects people in every country and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.