World Health Organization Raises Alert Over Severe Lack of Obesity Medications

Fewer than a tenth of people who could benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy can access them, states the global health agency as it issues its first guidance on the medications.

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

Based on projections, over two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.

"The latest guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be managed with holistic and continuous care," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are major barriers to universal access to the jabs that can help people shift substantial body mass, explains the organization.

Weight-Loss Drug Shortage

Despite the current most optimistic outlook, the manufacturing of such drugs might only reach around 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, according to the WHO.

The guideline calls on nations and manufacturers to increase access, via approaches such as patent sharing.

The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the core ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is set to lapse in a number of countries in 2026.

How Obesity Drugs Operate

The injections replicate a biological compound to slow digestion, reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness so people consume fewer calories.

Individuals typically begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of starting on the regular doses.

Research points to people may regain a significant portion within a year of stopping the medication, because their usual appetite resume.

To be carrying excess weight increases your risk for contracting diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific cancers.

Excess weight concerns individuals in countries worldwide and was associated with over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.