World Health Organization Sounds Warning Over Acute Shortage of Obesity Jabs

Less than a tenth of patients who could benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy have access to them, states the World Health Organization as it releases its initial recommendations on the medications.

Given more than one billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging broader and more equitable availability to GLP-1 medication.

Per forecasts, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.

"The new guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be addressed with comprehensive and continuous care," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are key hurdles to widespread availability to the injections that can aid individuals in losing considerable body mass, notes the body.

GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity

Even in the present best projected outlook, the production of these medications would only suffice for about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the WHO.

The recommendation urges governments and firms to increase access, by strategies like licensing agreements.

The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the primary component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.

How Weight-Loss Injections Operate

The injections mimick a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and enhance satiety so individuals reduce food intake.

Individuals usually see weight reduction in the initial weeks of beginning the regular doses.

Research points to users may regain a significant portion after a year of discontinuing the drug, because their normal food cravings return.

To be carrying excess weight elevates your risk for contracting medical conditions, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and some malignancies.

Obesity affects individuals in every country and was linked to over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.