WHO Raises Warning Over Severe Shortage of Obesity Injections

Less than one in 10 patients who could benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy have access to them, states the WHO as it releases its initial recommendations on the medications.

Given more than one billion people worldwide now living with obesity, it is urging increased and just access to these injectable treatments.

Based on forecasts, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.

"The new guidance recognises that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be treated with thorough and ongoing care," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Substantial prices, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are major obstacles to widespread access to the treatments that can help people shift significant weight, notes the body.

GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity

Even under the current most favorable outlook, the production of such drugs could only cover about 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the health organization.

The guideline calls on countries and companies to widen availability, through measures including voluntary licensing.

The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the main component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.

How Obesity Drugs Operate

GLP-1 drugs replicate a natural hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and increase the sense of being full so users consume fewer calories.

Patients typically start to lose weight after several weeks of beginning the weekly injections.

Evidence suggests users may see weight return within a year of stopping the medication, as their typical appetite come back.

Being overweight or obese increases your risk for contracting medical conditions, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers.

Obesity concerns people in all nations and was responsible for 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.