WHO Raises Warning Over Acute Lack of Weight-Loss Medications
Fewer than a tenth of people eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy have access to them, warns the World Health Organization as it releases its first guidance on the medications.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide now living with obesity, it is urging broader and more equitable availability to this class of drugs.
Based on estimates, over two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The latest guidelines recognises that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be treated with thorough and continuous care," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are key hurdles to widespread access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, notes the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Despite the present most optimistic outlook, the manufacturing of such drugs might only reach about 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, per the health organization.
The recommendation calls on governments and firms to widen availability, through strategies including patent sharing.
A patent on the active ingredient – the main component of a leading brand – is set to lapse in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Operate
The injections replicate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and increase feelings of fullness so users reduce food intake.
Individuals typically see weight reduction within a few weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Studies suggests users may see weight return after a year of discontinuing the drug, as their usual hunger come back.
To be carrying excess weight raises your chance for developing diseases, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and specific malignancies.
Obesity concerns individuals in every country and was linked to 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
