WHO Issues Concern Over Critical Scarcity of Obesity Injections

Under one in 10 patients who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy can access them, caution the global health agency as it publishes its initial advice on the drugs.

Given more than one billion individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is advocating for broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.

According to forecasts, over two billion could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.

"Our latest guidelines recognises that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be managed with holistic and lifelong treatment," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are major obstacles to universal access to the injections that can help people shift substantial body mass, says the agency.

Skinny Jab Shortage

Even in the present most favorable outlook, the production of these medications could only cover approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, as stated by the WHO.

The advice urges countries and companies to expand access, by measures like patent sharing.

A patent on the active ingredient – the core ingredient of a leading brand – is set to lapse in several countries in 2026.

How Weight-Loss Injections Function

GLP-1 drugs replicate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and boost satiety so people reduce food intake.

Individuals typically see weight reduction after several weeks of starting on the weekly injections.

Evidence suggests people may put most of the weight back on a year later of stopping the medication, because their typical appetite resume.

To be above a healthy weight elevates your risk for experiencing diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain malignancies.

Obesity impacts individuals in every country and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.