WHO Issues Warning Over Severe Scarcity of Weight-Loss Medications
Fewer than one in 10 patients eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy can access them, caution the global health agency as it releases its initial advice on the therapies.
Considering over a billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer access to this class of drugs.
Based on forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"The latest guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be treated with comprehensive and ongoing care," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are significant barriers to widespread access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing considerable weight, notes the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Despite the present most optimistic outlook, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for around 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the WHO.
The recommendation calls on nations and manufacturers to increase access, through strategies including patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the primary component of a leading brand – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Drugs Operate
The injections imitate a biological compound to slow digestion, curb appetite and boost the sense of being full so users consume fewer calories.
People commonly begin shedding pounds after several weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Studies suggests patients may see weight return a year later of discontinuing the treatment, as their normal food cravings come back.
Being above a healthy weight elevates your likelihood for contracting medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Obesity concerns people in every country and was responsible for millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
