The Global Health Body Raises Alert Over Critical Lack of Obesity Jabs
Less than one in 10 patients who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, caution the global health agency as it publishes its first recommendations on the medications.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently obese, it is advocating for increased and just access to these injectable treatments.
Based on estimates, more than two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidelines affirms that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong support," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are major barriers to broad availability to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, explains the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity
Despite the present most optimistic case, the supply of GLP-1 therapies could only cover around 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, according to the health organization.
The recommendation encourages nations and manufacturers to increase availability, by approaches like licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is set to lapse in several countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Function
These medications replicate a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so individuals eat less.
Patients typically start to lose weight in the initial weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Research indicates users may see weight return within a year of discontinuing the treatment, when their normal hunger resume.
Being above a healthy weight increases your likelihood for contracting medical conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific cancers.
Excess weight impacts individuals in every country and was associated with over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.