World Health Organization Sounds Warning Over Acute Shortage of Weight-Loss Jabs

Less than 10% of patients who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy can access them, warns the global health agency as it publishes its first guidance on the therapies.

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

According to estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.

"Our latest guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be treated with thorough and continuous support," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Significant expense, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are significant barriers to widespread access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing significant body mass, explains the organization.

GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis

Even under the present most favorable outlook, the production of GLP-1 therapies might only reach approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, according to the WHO.

The recommendation urges countries and companies to widen access, through strategies like licensing agreements.

A patent on semaglutide – the core component of a leading brand – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.

The Way Obesity Drugs Function

These medications mimick a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and boost satiety so people eat less.

Patients typically start to lose weight after several weeks of commencing the weekly injections.

Research points to people may regain a significant portion a year later of discontinuing the drug, because their usual food cravings come back.

To be carrying excess weight elevates your likelihood for developing medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific malignancies.

Excess weight concerns people in all nations and was associated with over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.