WHO Sounds Concern Over Acute Scarcity of Obesity Injections

Fewer than a tenth of people that would benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy have access to them, warns the World Health Organization as it publishes its first advice on the therapies.

With in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide now living with obesity, it is urging broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.

Based on projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.

"The new guidance recognises that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be treated with holistic and lifelong care," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are key barriers to universal availability to the jabs that can help people shift considerable body mass, notes the organization.

GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis

Even in the current best projected case, the production of GLP-1 therapies could only cover about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, per the WHO.

The advice urges governments and firms to increase access, through approaches like patent sharing.

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

The Way Obesity Injections Work

These medications imitate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and boost the sense of being full so users eat less.

People typically begin shedding pounds after several weeks of commencing the regular doses.

Studies suggests people may see weight return a year later of discontinuing the medication, when their usual appetite come back.

To be carrying excess weight elevates your risk for contracting health problems, like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific malignancies.

Obesity concerns individuals in every country and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.