The Global Health Body Sounds Warning Over Severe Lack of Weight-Loss Injections
Less than one in 10 people who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy can access them, warns the WHO as it publishes its inaugural guidance on the medications.
With in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.
Based on forecasts, over two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidance recognises that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be addressed with comprehensive and lifelong support," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are significant barriers to universal availability to the injections that can aid individuals in losing considerable weight, notes the organization.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Despite the current most optimistic scenario, the manufacturing of these medications would only suffice for about 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, according to the WHO.
The recommendation encourages governments and firms to widen access, via strategies like voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the main ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.
How Obesity Drugs Work
GLP-1 drugs replicate a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and boost the sense of being full so individuals consume fewer calories.
People typically begin shedding pounds after several weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Research indicates people may regain a significant portion within a year of stopping the treatment, when their typical appetite come back.
To be carrying excess weight raises your likelihood for experiencing medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and specific cancers.
Excess weight affects individuals in countries worldwide and was associated with over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
