WHO Raises Alert Over Acute Scarcity of Obesity Medications

Fewer than one in 10 patients who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy are able to get them, warns the global health agency as it releases its first recommendations on the therapies.

Given more than one billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is calling for more widespread and fairer availability to this class of drugs.

Based on estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.

"Our new guidelines recognises that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be addressed with thorough and ongoing care," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are key barriers to universal availability to the jabs that can help people shift substantial weight, notes the organization.

Skinny Jab Supply Crisis

Even in the current best projected scenario, the manufacturing of these medications would only suffice for about 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, per the WHO.

The recommendation urges countries and companies to increase availability, by approaches such as voluntary licensing.

Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.

The Way Obesity Drugs Function

The injections replicate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and boost the sense of being full so individuals consume fewer calories.

Individuals usually start to lose weight after several weeks of starting on the weekly injections.

Research indicates patients may see weight return within a year of halting the medication, because their normal hunger come back.

Being overweight or obese increases your chance for developing medical conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain cancers.

Excess weight concerns individuals in countries worldwide and was responsible for 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.