WHO Raises Warning Over Critical Shortage of Obesity Medications
Less than one in 10 patients who could benefit from obesity jabs like Wegovy have access to them, caution the World Health Organization as it publishes its first advice on the medications.
Considering over a billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is advocating for increased and just availability to this class of drugs.
Based on forecasts, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidance acknowledges that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with thorough and ongoing treatment," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are significant obstacles to broad access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing substantial body mass, says the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Despite the present most optimistic case, the manufacturing of such drugs would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.
The advice urges nations and manufacturers to increase access, via strategies like licensing agreements.
The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the core component of a leading brand – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Operate
GLP-1 drugs mimick a body's own hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and boost feelings of fullness so individuals reduce food intake.
People typically see weight reduction within a few weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Research indicates people may see weight return a year later of discontinuing the drug, as their normal appetite come back.
Being carrying excess weight elevates your likelihood for experiencing diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight concerns people in countries worldwide and was linked to over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
