World Health Organization Sounds Concern Over Critical Scarcity of Obesity Injections

Less than 10% of individuals who could benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy have access to them, warns the global health agency as it releases its initial recommendations on the therapies.

With more than one billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.

According to estimates, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.

"The new guidance recognises that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with holistic and ongoing support," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are significant obstacles to broad access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, explains the organization.

Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis

Despite the current most optimistic case, the supply of GLP-1 therapies could only cover approximately 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, per the WHO.

The advice calls on countries and companies to increase access, through measures including voluntary licensing.

Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the core ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.

How Weight-Loss Drugs Operate

These medications imitate a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and boost satiety so individuals reduce food intake.

Patients usually begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.

Evidence suggests users may regain a significant portion within a year of stopping the drug, when their normal hunger resume.

To be overweight or obese increases your chance for experiencing diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific malignancies.

Obesity affects people in all nations and was linked to over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.