WHO Raises Alert Over Acute Scarcity of Obesity Medications

Less than 10% of individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy have access to them, states the global health agency as it issues its inaugural advice on the drugs.

Considering over a billion individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging more widespread and fairer availability to these injectable treatments.

Per projections, over two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.

"Our new guidelines recognises that obesity is a chronic disease that can be managed with thorough and ongoing care," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are major hurdles to widespread availability to the jabs that can help people shift substantial body mass, notes the organization.

Skinny Jab Shortage

Even in the present most optimistic case, the manufacturing of these medications could only cover approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, per the WHO.

The guideline calls on governments and firms to expand access, via measures like patent sharing.

The intellectual property rights on a key compound – the core component of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.

The Way Obesity Drugs Work

These medications replicate a biological compound to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so individuals eat less.

Patients usually see weight reduction in the initial weeks of commencing the regular doses.

Studies indicates users may see weight return a year later of discontinuing the drug, when their typical hunger resume.

Being overweight or obese elevates your likelihood for contracting diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some cancers.

Obesity impacts individuals in every country and was associated with over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.