The Global Health Body Raises Alert Over Severe Lack of Obesity Jabs
Less than a tenth of individuals eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy have access to them, warns the World Health Organization as it releases its first advice on the drugs.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging broader and more equitable access to this class of drugs.
Per projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"The latest guidelines recognises that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be treated with thorough and continuous support," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are key hurdles to universal access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing substantial body mass, says the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even under the current best projected outlook, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for around 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, per the WHO.
The recommendation encourages governments and firms to expand availability, by approaches such as patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the primary component of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Work
The injections imitate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and boost feelings of fullness so people eat less.
People typically start to lose weight after several weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Evidence suggests people may regain a significant portion within a year of discontinuing the treatment, because their typical food cravings return.
Being above a healthy weight elevates your likelihood for contracting medical conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Obesity affects people in every country and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.