World Health Organization Raises Warning Over Acute Lack of Weight-Loss Injections

Fewer than one in 10 people eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy are able to get them, warns the World Health Organization as it releases its initial advice on the drugs.

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

According to estimates, over two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.

"The latest guidelines recognises that obesity is a chronic disease that can be addressed with holistic and lifelong support," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are significant obstacles to widespread access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing substantial body mass, notes the organization.

Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis

Even under the current most optimistic outlook, the supply of these medications might only reach about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.

The recommendation encourages countries and companies to increase access, by measures including voluntary licensing.

The intellectual property rights on a key compound – the core component of a leading brand – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.

The Way Obesity Jabs Work

The injections replicate a biological compound to slow digestion, reduce hunger and boost the sense of being full so people eat less.

Patients commonly start to lose weight within a few weeks of commencing the weekly injections.

Research indicates people may see weight return within a year of discontinuing the treatment, because their typical hunger return.

Being carrying excess weight raises your risk for contracting medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.

Excess weight concerns individuals in all nations and was associated with millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.