WHO Issues Warning Over Acute Scarcity of Obesity Medications

Under a tenth of individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy can access them, caution the World Health Organization as it issues its initial guidance on the therapies.

Given over a billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is urging broader and more equitable availability to GLP-1 medication.

Per estimates, over two billion could be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.

"Our latest guidelines affirms that obesity is a chronic disease that can be managed with comprehensive and lifelong support," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are key barriers to broad access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing significant body mass, says the organization.

GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis

Even under the current most optimistic case, the supply of GLP-1 therapies could only cover around 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, as stated by the WHO.

The advice calls on countries and companies to widen availability, by measures including voluntary licensing.

Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the core component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.

How Obesity Injections Work

These medications imitate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and enhance satiety so individuals reduce food intake.

People commonly start to lose weight after several weeks of starting on the weekly injections.

Research suggests users may see weight return a year later of discontinuing the drug, as their usual appetite resume.

To be overweight or obese raises your chance for contracting health problems, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some malignancies.

Obesity affects individuals in every country and was responsible for 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.