The Global Health Body Issues Concern Over Critical Scarcity of Weight-Loss Medications

Less than one in 10 patients who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy are able to get them, states the WHO as it publishes its inaugural advice on the therapies.

Given over a billion people worldwide currently obese, it is calling for increased and just availability to GLP-1 medication.

According to forecasts, over two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.

"The new guidance recognises that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be managed with thorough and lifelong support," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Substantial prices, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are significant hurdles to broad availability to the injections that can help people shift substantial weight, explains the agency.

Weight-Loss Drug Shortage

Despite the present best projected scenario, the production of GLP-1 therapies might only reach around 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.

The advice calls on governments and firms to increase access, through approaches such as voluntary licensing.

The intellectual property rights on a key compound – the main component of a leading brand – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.

The Way Obesity Drugs Work

GLP-1 drugs replicate a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and boost feelings of fullness so users consume fewer calories.

Individuals usually start to lose weight within a few weeks of beginning the weekly injections.

Studies indicates users may see weight return a year later of discontinuing the drug, as their typical appetite come back.

Being carrying excess weight increases your likelihood for contracting medical conditions, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific cancers.

Obesity affects individuals in all nations and was associated with millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.