World Health Organization Sounds Concern Over Critical Scarcity of Obesity Medications

Fewer than one in 10 people eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy are able to get them, warns the World Health Organization as it issues its first recommendations on the drugs.

Considering more than one billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging increased and just availability to GLP-1 medication.

According to projections, more than two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 without intervention.

"The latest guidelines affirms that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be managed with comprehensive and ongoing support," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Significant expense, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are significant barriers to universal availability to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing significant body mass, says the organization.

Skinny Jab Scarcity

Even under the present most favorable scenario, the manufacturing of such drugs could only cover about 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, according to the health organization.

The guideline encourages governments and firms to increase availability, via measures including patent sharing.

Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the core ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of nations in 2026.

The Way Obesity Drugs Operate

These medications mimick a body's own hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and enhance satiety so users eat less.

People commonly begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.

Research points to patients may regain a significant portion a year later of halting the treatment, as their usual appetite resume.

To be carrying excess weight raises your chance for experiencing diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain malignancies.

Excess weight affects individuals in every country and was linked to over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.