WHO Raises Alert Over Critical Lack of Weight-Loss Jabs

Fewer than a tenth of patients that would benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy have access to them, caution the global health agency as it issues its first recommendations on the drugs.

Considering more than one billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging broader and more equitable access to this class of drugs.

According to forecasts, over two billion will be obese by 2030 without intervention.

"The new guidance recognises that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be managed with thorough and ongoing treatment," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are key obstacles to widespread availability to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing considerable weight, explains the agency.

GLP-1 Therapy Shortage

Even in the present 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 expand access, via approaches including licensing agreements.

A patent on a key compound – the primary component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is set to lapse in a number of countries in 2026.

How Obesity Jabs Operate

These medications replicate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and increase satiety so users eat less.

Individuals typically see weight reduction after several weeks of beginning the regular doses.

Evidence indicates patients may put most of the weight back on a year later of stopping the treatment, when their normal food cravings resume.

To be carrying excess weight elevates your likelihood for contracting health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and some cancers.

Obesity concerns individuals in every country and was responsible for over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.