World Health Organization Sounds Warning Over Severe Lack of Obesity Medications

Fewer than one in 10 patients that would benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy have access to them, states the WHO as it releases its inaugural guidance on the drugs.

Considering over a billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is urging broader and more equitable access to this class of drugs.

According to estimates, over two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.

"The new guidance affirms that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be addressed with thorough and continuous care," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are key barriers to universal access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing significant body mass, notes the body.

Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity

Even in the current most optimistic case, the production of these medications might only reach about 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the WHO.

The guideline encourages governments and firms to widen access, by approaches including licensing agreements.

Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the main ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in multiple nations in 2026.

How Weight-Loss Injections Function

The injections replicate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and enhance the sense of being full so individuals reduce food intake.

Patients usually start to lose weight within a few weeks of starting on the weekly injections.

Studies suggests people may see weight return a year later of stopping the medication, because their usual food cravings resume.

Being overweight or obese increases your risk for developing diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and some cancers.

Obesity impacts individuals in every country and was responsible for 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.