World Health Organization Sounds Alert Over Acute Lack of Weight-Loss Jabs

Less than one in 10 patients eligible to benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy are able to get them, warns the WHO as it issues its first recommendations on the therapies.

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

According to estimates, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.

"The new guidance affirms that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be managed with thorough and ongoing care," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are key obstacles to universal access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing substantial weight, notes the organization.

GLP-1 Therapy Shortage

Even in the current most favorable outlook, the supply of such drugs could only cover approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, as stated by the health organization.

The guideline urges countries and companies to expand access, by approaches such as voluntary licensing.

Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the main ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in a number of countries in 2026.

The Way Obesity Injections Work

The injections mimick a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and enhance the sense of being full so people eat less.

Individuals usually see weight reduction in the initial weeks of commencing the weekly injections.

Studies suggests users may see weight return within a year of discontinuing the drug, as their usual appetite resume.

Being carrying excess weight raises your risk for contracting diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.

Obesity impacts people in every country and was associated with millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.