World Health Organization Issues Warning Over Acute Lack of Obesity Injections
Under one in 10 people who could benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy have access to them, states the WHO as it releases its first guidance on the drugs.
Given over a billion people worldwide now living with obesity, it is calling for more widespread and fairer access to this class of drugs.
Based on estimates, over two billion will be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidelines affirms that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be treated with thorough and ongoing care," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are key barriers to universal access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing substantial body mass, explains the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity
Even under the current most favorable outlook, the supply of GLP-1 therapies might only reach around 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the WHO.
The guideline encourages governments and firms to expand access, through approaches including voluntary licensing.
A patent on a key compound – the main component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Injections Operate
These medications replicate a biological compound to slow digestion, curb appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so users eat less.
Individuals commonly begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Evidence indicates patients may regain a significant portion after a year of halting the drug, as their typical hunger resume.
To be above a healthy weight increases your chance for experiencing medical conditions, like diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and some malignancies.
Obesity affects individuals in every country and was responsible for 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
