WHO Issues Concern Over Acute Lack of Obesity Injections

Under 10% of individuals that would benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy have access to them, caution the World Health Organization as it publishes its initial recommendations on the medications.

With over a billion people worldwide currently obese, it is urging increased and just access to these injectable treatments.

Based on projections, over two billion will be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.

"The new guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be managed with thorough and continuous support," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are significant hurdles to widespread access to the treatments that can help people shift significant weight, says the organization.

Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity

Even in the present most optimistic outlook, the supply of such drugs could only cover approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the health organization.

The recommendation encourages countries and companies to increase availability, by measures such as patent sharing.

A patent on semaglutide – the primary component of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.

The Way Obesity Injections Work

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

Individuals typically begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of commencing the weekly injections.

Studies suggests people may put most of the weight back on a year later of halting the medication, as their usual hunger return.

Being overweight or obese raises your likelihood for contracting health problems, like diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain malignancies.

Excess weight impacts people in all nations and was associated with over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.