The Global Health Body Issues Alert Over Acute Shortage of Obesity Injections

Fewer than 10% of patients eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy can access them, caution the global health agency as it issues its inaugural advice on the therapies.

Considering more than one billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for more widespread and fairer access to GLP-1 medication.

Based on estimates, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.

"The new guidance acknowledges that obesity is a long-term condition that can be treated with holistic and lifelong treatment," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Significant expense, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are significant hurdles to universal availability to the treatments that can help people shift substantial weight, says the agency.

GLP-1 Therapy Shortage

Even in the present best projected case, the supply of such drugs could only cover around 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, per the health organization.

The recommendation urges governments and firms to increase availability, by strategies including licensing agreements.

Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the primary component of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in a number of nations in 2026.

The Way Obesity Injections Work

The injections imitate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness so individuals reduce food intake.

People commonly begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of commencing the weekly injections.

Studies suggests patients may regain a significant portion a year later of halting the medication, when their typical food cravings return.

To be above a healthy weight raises your chance for experiencing diseases, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers.

Excess weight concerns people in all nations and was responsible for over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.