The Global Health Body Raises Concern Over Acute Lack of Weight-Loss Injections

Under one in 10 individuals that would benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy can access them, caution the World Health Organization as it publishes its first advice on the drugs.

With over a billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is urging broader and more equitable access to these injectable treatments.

Per estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.

"The latest guidance affirms that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with holistic and continuous care," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are significant hurdles to widespread availability to the injections that can assist patients in reducing significant body mass, explains the body.

GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis

Even in the current most optimistic case, the production of such drugs might only reach approximately 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, according to the WHO.

The recommendation urges countries and companies to increase availability, through measures including voluntary licensing.

The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the main component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.

How Obesity Injections Function

The injections mimick a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and boost the sense of being full so people reduce food intake.

People usually begin shedding pounds after several weeks of commencing the weekly injections.

Research indicates users may regain a significant portion after a year of stopping the medication, because their typical appetite return.

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

Excess weight impacts people in countries worldwide and was responsible for millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.