WHO Raises Alert Over Critical Lack of Weight-Loss Injections

Less than a tenth of people eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy have access to them, states the World Health Organization as it publishes its initial advice on the drugs.

Considering more than one billion individuals worldwide now living with obesity, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to GLP-1 medication.

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

"The latest guidance recognises that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be managed with thorough and ongoing care," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are major barriers to universal access to the injections that can help people shift significant weight, explains the organization.

GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity

Even in the present best projected scenario, the manufacturing of these medications might only reach approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, as stated by the health organization.

The advice urges nations and manufacturers to widen access, via strategies including patent sharing.

Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is set to lapse in a number of countries in 2026.

How Obesity Jabs Work

The injections imitate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and boost satiety so users reduce food intake.

People usually see weight reduction in the initial weeks of starting on the regular doses.

Research points to users may regain a significant portion a year later of stopping the drug, as their normal food cravings resume.

Being above a healthy weight increases your chance for contracting health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some malignancies.

Obesity impacts people in every country and was linked to over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.