🔗 Share this article World Health Organization Issues Alert Over Severe Lack of Obesity Medications Less than 10% of patients that would benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy can access them, states the global health agency as it publishes its inaugural guidance on the drugs. With in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments. According to projections, over two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 if no action is taken. "The new guidance acknowledges that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with thorough and ongoing support," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. High costs, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are key barriers to widespread access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing significant body mass, notes the agency. GLP-1 Therapy Shortage Even in the current most optimistic outlook, the production of these medications could only cover about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, per the WHO. The recommendation encourages nations and manufacturers to expand availability, through strategies such as patent sharing. A patent on semaglutide – the main component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026. How Weight-Loss Drugs Operate The injections mimick a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so users reduce food intake. People commonly begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs. Studies points to users may regain a significant portion within a year of stopping the treatment, because their typical appetite resume. To be above a healthy weight elevates your risk for contracting medical conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers. Excess weight impacts individuals in all nations and was associated with over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
Less than 10% of patients that would benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy can access them, states the global health agency as it publishes its inaugural guidance on the drugs. With in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments. According to projections, over two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 if no action is taken. "The new guidance acknowledges that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with thorough and ongoing support," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. High costs, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are key barriers to widespread access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing significant body mass, notes the agency. GLP-1 Therapy Shortage Even in the current most optimistic outlook, the production of these medications could only cover about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, per the WHO. The recommendation encourages nations and manufacturers to expand availability, through strategies such as patent sharing. A patent on semaglutide – the main component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026. How Weight-Loss Drugs Operate The injections mimick a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so users reduce food intake. People commonly begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs. Studies points to users may regain a significant portion within a year of stopping the treatment, because their typical appetite resume. To be above a healthy weight elevates your risk for contracting medical conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers. Excess weight impacts individuals in all nations and was associated with over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.