World Health Organization Issues Concern Over Critical Lack of Obesity Medications

Fewer than one in 10 patients that would benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy have access to them, warns the WHO as it publishes its first advice on the therapies.

Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is advocating for increased and just access to this class of drugs.

According to projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.

"The new guidance affirms that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be treated with holistic and continuous support," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are major obstacles to broad access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing substantial weight, notes the organization.

Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity

Even in the current most favorable case, the supply of these medications could only cover around 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, as stated by the WHO.

The guideline urges nations and manufacturers to widen availability, by measures like licensing agreements.

The intellectual property rights on a key compound – the core component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.

How Weight-Loss Jabs Work

The injections replicate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and increase the sense of being full so users eat less.

People usually see weight reduction after several weeks of beginning the weekly injections.

Evidence suggests patients may regain a significant portion within a year of discontinuing the drug, as their typical food cravings resume.

Being above a healthy weight raises your likelihood for experiencing diseases, like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific malignancies.

Obesity affects people in every country and was associated with millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.