WHO Sounds Concern Over Critical Scarcity of Weight-Loss Injections

Under one in 10 individuals that would benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy have access to them, caution the WHO as it releases its inaugural guidance on the therapies.

Given over a billion individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging broader and more equitable access to these injectable treatments.

Based on estimates, more than two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.

"The latest guidance recognises that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive and continuous support," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are major hurdles to widespread availability to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, notes the body.

GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity

Despite the present best projected case, the production of these medications might only reach around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, per the health organization.

The recommendation encourages countries and companies to widen access, via approaches like licensing agreements.

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

The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Operate

The injections mimick a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and increase feelings of fullness so users eat less.

Individuals usually see weight reduction in the initial weeks of starting on the weekly injections.

Research points to users may regain a significant portion after a year of discontinuing the treatment, because their typical hunger return.

Being overweight or obese increases your chance for contracting diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain cancers.

Excess weight affects people in countries worldwide and was linked to over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.