World Health Organization Sounds Warning Over Severe Lack of Weight-Loss Jabs

Less than a tenth of individuals eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy can access them, warns the WHO as it publishes its initial advice on the medications.

Considering over a billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to GLP-1 medication.

Based on forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.

"The new guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be managed with comprehensive and lifelong care," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are major hurdles to widespread access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing considerable weight, explains the agency.

Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis

Even under the current most favorable outlook, the manufacturing of such drugs could only cover around 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the WHO.

The recommendation urges countries and companies to expand availability, through strategies like patent sharing.

A patent on the active ingredient – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.

The Way Obesity Drugs Operate

The injections replicate a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and enhance the sense of being full so people eat less.

Patients commonly see weight reduction after several weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.

Research points to patients may put most of the weight back on a year later of discontinuing the medication, because their normal hunger come back.

To be carrying excess weight increases your chance for experiencing diseases, like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers.

Obesity affects people in every country and was responsible for millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.