London, December 01, 2025
The World Health Organization has issued an urgent warning about critical global shortages of obesity medications amid escalating demand and expanding treatment recommendations. This development poses significant challenges for health systems worldwide as the obesity epidemic worsens.
Shortages Impact Obesity and Diabetes Treatments
The scarcity centers on GLP-1 receptor agonists—such as semaglutide and tirzepatide—originally developed for diabetes but now recognized as effective obesity treatments. Demand has surged sharply, outpacing production capacity, resulting in widespread supply constraints anticipated to persist through 2025. These shortages affect not only millions seeking to manage obesity but also diabetes patients relying on these drugs for glycemic control.
Affordability and Access Barriers Exacerbate Crisis
The medications remain expensive, with costs presenting a substantial barrier, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The WHO highlights risks of deepening health inequities as access remains uneven. In response, WHO has added GLP-1 drugs to its Essential Medicines List and advocates for strategies to improve availability globally, including promoting affordable generics, pooled procurement, and tiered pricing models.
Emphasis on Long-term, Integrated Care
WHO’s new conditional guidelines stress that GLP-1 therapies should complement comprehensive lifelong care, combining behavioral support, diet, and physical activity. The approach reflects recognition of obesity as a chronic, relapsing disease requiring sustained management rather than quick fixes through medication alone.
Rising Obesity Epidemic Intensifies Public Health Threat
Obesity affects over one billion people worldwide and is projected to double by 2030, exerting growing pressure on health systems. Its strong links to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers contribute to approximately 3.7 million deaths annually. Without adequate access to effective treatments and broader preventive policies, these health burdens and associated inequalities are expected to worsen.
WHO Calls for Urgent Global Action
The warning from WHO underscores that while GLP-1 medications offer promise in managing obesity, addressing supply shortages, high prices, and inequitable access is urgent. Policymakers, industry stakeholders, and global health leaders must coordinate comprehensive efforts to ensure these therapies form part of a sustainable strategy to combat the escalating obesity crisis and its profound health and economic consequences.