WHO Sounds Alert Over Critical Lack of Weight-Loss Jabs

Under 10% of individuals that would benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy can access them, caution the WHO as it releases its initial recommendations on the drugs.

With more than one billion individuals worldwide now obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.

Based on forecasts, more than two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.

"Our new guidance acknowledges that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with comprehensive and lifelong treatment," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Significant expense, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are key obstacles to universal access to the treatments that can help people shift significant weight, explains the agency.

GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis

Even in the present best projected scenario, the supply of these medications could only cover approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, according to the WHO.

The recommendation urges nations and manufacturers to increase availability, through approaches such as licensing agreements.

Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in multiple countries in 2026.

How Weight-Loss Jabs Work

GLP-1 drugs mimick a body's own hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so users reduce food intake.

People commonly begin shedding pounds after several weeks of starting on the weekly injections.

Evidence points to patients may see weight return within a year of halting the treatment, as their normal hunger come back.

To be above a healthy weight increases your likelihood for developing diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some cancers.

Excess weight impacts people in every country and was associated with millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.