The Global Health Body Issues Alert Over Acute Scarcity of Obesity Injections
Fewer than 10% of patients who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy can access them, states the WHO as it publishes its first guidance on the medications.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide now obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer access to GLP-1 medication.
According to estimates, more than two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The latest guidance affirms that obesity is a chronic disease that can be addressed with thorough and ongoing support," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are major hurdles to widespread access to the injections that can help people shift significant body mass, notes the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Even under the current most favorable scenario, the production of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, according to the health organization.
The recommendation urges governments and firms to widen access, via approaches like voluntary licensing.
The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the main ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
How Obesity Drugs Work
These medications imitate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and boost the sense of being full so users consume fewer calories.
Individuals commonly see weight reduction within a few weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Studies suggests people may regain a significant portion within a year of discontinuing the medication, when their typical appetite resume.
Being carrying excess weight elevates your chance for experiencing medical conditions, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.
Obesity impacts individuals in countries worldwide and was linked to 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
