The Global Health Body Issues Concern Over Severe Shortage of Weight-Loss Injections
Less than one in 10 people who could benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy can access them, caution the global health agency as it issues its first guidance on the therapies.
With over a billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is urging broader and more equitable availability to GLP-1 medication.
According to estimates, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with comprehensive and ongoing support," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are significant barriers to universal access to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing significant weight, says the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Despite the present best projected scenario, the manufacturing of these medications would only suffice for about 100 million people โ less than 10% of the global need, per the health organization.
The guideline urges countries and companies to expand availability, via approaches like licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide โ the core ingredient of a leading brand โ is scheduled to end in multiple nations in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Injections Work
These medications mimick a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and boost feelings of fullness so individuals consume fewer calories.
Patients typically begin shedding pounds after several weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Evidence points to people may see weight return a year later of discontinuing the drug, as their normal hunger return.
To be overweight or obese increases your likelihood for developing diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight impacts people in countries worldwide and was linked to millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
