World Health Organization Raises Warning Over Acute Scarcity of Obesity Medications

Under 10% of individuals eligible to benefit from obesity jabs like Wegovy can access them, warns the global health agency as it releases its initial advice on the therapies.

Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is calling for increased and just access to this class of drugs.

Based on forecasts, over two billion will be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.

"Our latest guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with thorough and lifelong treatment," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are major hurdles to universal access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing substantial weight, says the body.

Weight-Loss Drug Shortage

Despite the current best projected scenario, the production of such drugs might only reach approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, according to the health organization.

The guideline urges countries and companies to expand access, by strategies such as voluntary licensing.

Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the primary component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of nations in 2026.

The Way Obesity Drugs Function

GLP-1 drugs mimick a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness so individuals consume fewer calories.

Patients usually begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of beginning the regular doses.

Studies suggests patients may put most of the weight back on a year later of stopping the treatment, as their usual hunger come back.

Being carrying excess weight elevates your likelihood for experiencing medical conditions, like diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and specific cancers.

Excess weight affects people in every country and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.