The Global Health Body Sounds Concern Over Severe Shortage of Weight-Loss Injections

Less than a tenth of people eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy can access them, caution the WHO as it releases its first guidance on the medications.

With in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is advocating for increased and just access to these injectable treatments.

Per estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.

"Our new guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be treated with holistic and ongoing care," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are major barriers to widespread access to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing considerable body mass, explains the body.

Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis

Even under the present most favorable scenario, the supply of such drugs would only suffice for about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, according to the WHO.

The guideline encourages governments and firms to increase access, by measures including patent sharing.

Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the main ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in a number of nations in 2026.

How Weight-Loss Drugs Work

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

People commonly start to lose weight within a few weeks of starting on the regular doses.

Research suggests users may put most of the weight back on after a year of halting the drug, because their typical appetite resume.

To be carrying excess weight increases your likelihood for experiencing medical conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some malignancies.

Excess weight affects individuals in countries worldwide and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.