The Global Health Body Issues Alert Over Critical Scarcity of Obesity Jabs

Less than one in 10 patients who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy are able to get them, warns the WHO as it publishes its initial guidance on the medications.

With more than one billion people worldwide now living with obesity, it is urging broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.

According to forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be obese by 2030 without intervention.

"The new guidelines affirms that obesity is a long-term condition that can be managed with holistic and continuous care," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Significant expense, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are key obstacles to universal access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing considerable body mass, notes the organization.

GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity

Despite the current most optimistic outlook, the production of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, per the WHO.

The advice urges governments and firms to expand availability, by measures including patent sharing.

Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the core ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is set to lapse in several countries in 2026.

The Way Obesity Drugs Operate

These medications imitate a natural hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and increase the sense of being full so users reduce food intake.

People typically see weight reduction after several weeks of starting on the regular doses.

Research points to users may put most of the weight back on within a year of halting the treatment, because their typical appetite return.

To be overweight or obese raises your risk for developing medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.

Excess weight affects people in every country and was linked to 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.