World Health Organization Raises Concern Over Severe Lack of Obesity Injections

Under a tenth of individuals eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy are able to get them, warns the global health agency as it publishes its initial guidance on the therapies.

With in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide now obese, it is advocating for broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.

According to forecasts, more than two billion will be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.

"The latest guidance acknowledges that obesity is a chronic disease that can be managed with comprehensive and ongoing support," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are key barriers to universal access to the treatments that can help people shift considerable weight, notes the agency.

Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity

Even in the current best projected outlook, the manufacturing of such drugs would only suffice for around 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, according to the health organization.

The advice urges countries and companies to expand availability, via strategies including patent sharing.

A patent on a key compound – the main component of a leading brand – is set to lapse in multiple countries in 2026.

The Way Obesity Jabs Function

The injections mimick a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and increase the sense of being full so people reduce food intake.

People commonly see weight reduction within a few weeks of starting on the regular doses.

Studies points to users may regain a significant portion after a year of halting the drug, because their normal appetite come back.

To be above a healthy weight increases your chance for experiencing medical conditions, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific cancers.

Excess weight impacts individuals in all nations and was associated with over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.