The Global Health Body Issues Alert Over Critical Lack of Obesity Medications

Fewer than a tenth of patients who could benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy have access to them, warns the global health agency as it releases its inaugural advice on the therapies.

Given over a billion people worldwide now obese, it is advocating for increased and just access to this class of drugs.

Per forecasts, over two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.

"The latest guidelines affirms that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be managed with holistic and ongoing treatment," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are significant hurdles to widespread access to the treatments that can help people shift considerable weight, notes the body.

GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis

Despite the current most optimistic scenario, the production of these medications might only reach around 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the WHO.

The advice calls on countries and companies to widen access, by strategies including patent sharing.

A patent on semaglutide – the main ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.

How Obesity Injections Function

These medications imitate a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and enhance feelings of fullness so users reduce food intake.

People typically start to lose weight within a few weeks of commencing the weekly injections.

Studies suggests users may regain a significant portion after a year of stopping the treatment, when their normal appetite come back.

To be carrying excess weight elevates your likelihood for contracting diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and specific cancers.

Obesity impacts people in countries worldwide and was associated with over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.