The Global Health Body Issues Concern Over Critical Shortage of Weight-Loss Jabs

Fewer than one in 10 individuals who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy can access them, states the WHO as it publishes its inaugural recommendations on the drugs.

Considering over a billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging increased and just access to this class of drugs.

According to forecasts, over two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.

"Our new guidelines affirms that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be treated with holistic and lifelong support," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are major hurdles to universal access to the treatments that can help people shift substantial body mass, says the agency.

GLP-1 Therapy Shortage

Even under the present best projected outlook, the supply of these medications would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, per the WHO.

The recommendation encourages countries and companies to increase access, through strategies including licensing agreements.

Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the core component of a leading brand – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.

How Obesity Drugs Function

GLP-1 drugs mimick a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so users eat less.

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

Research points to patients may see weight return after a year of discontinuing the drug, because their usual appetite return.

Being overweight or obese raises your chance for experiencing diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific malignancies.

Obesity impacts individuals in countries worldwide and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.