WHO Raises Warning Over Acute Shortage of Weight-Loss Medications

Under one in 10 people that would benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy have access to them, warns the World Health Organization as it issues its inaugural advice on the drugs.

Considering over a billion people worldwide currently obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable access to this class of drugs.

Per projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.

"Our new guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be treated with holistic and ongoing treatment," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are major obstacles to widespread access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing significant body mass, explains the agency.

Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis

Despite the current most optimistic case, the production of such drugs might only reach around 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the health organization.

The advice urges countries and companies to expand access, via measures like voluntary licensing.

The intellectual property rights on a key compound – the core ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in a number of nations in 2026.

The Way Obesity Injections Function

The injections replicate a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and enhance the sense of being full so individuals reduce food intake.

People commonly see weight reduction after several weeks of beginning the regular doses.

Evidence suggests users may regain a significant portion within a year of halting the medication, because their normal appetite return.

Being above a healthy weight raises your risk for contracting diseases, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and specific malignancies.

Excess weight concerns people in countries worldwide and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.