WHO Raises Warning Over Critical Shortage of Obesity Injections
Under a tenth of individuals that would benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy can access them, caution the World Health Organization as it issues its initial recommendations on the medications.
Considering over a billion individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is urging broader and more equitable access to this class of drugs.
According to estimates, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidance affirms that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with holistic and ongoing support," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are significant obstacles to universal access to the injections that can help people shift considerable body mass, says the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even under the current best projected scenario, the production of these medications could only cover around 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, as stated by the WHO.
The guideline calls on nations and manufacturers to expand availability, by measures such as voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in multiple countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Drugs Function
These medications imitate a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and enhance satiety so people reduce food intake.
Patients usually start to lose weight after several weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Evidence points to users may put most of the weight back on a year later of discontinuing the treatment, when their normal appetite come back.
To be overweight or obese elevates your risk for developing medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and specific cancers.
Obesity impacts individuals in every country and was associated with millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
