World Health Organization Sounds Warning Over Critical Shortage of Obesity Jabs
Less than a tenth of patients that would benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy have access to them, caution the WHO as it issues its inaugural recommendations on the therapies.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is advocating for broader and more equitable availability to GLP-1 medication.
Based on projections, over two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidelines affirms that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be managed with thorough and continuous support," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are significant hurdles to broad access to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing considerable weight, says the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even under the current best projected scenario, the supply of such drugs might only reach approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, according to the health organization.
The guideline encourages nations and manufacturers to expand access, through approaches including licensing agreements.
A patent on a key compound – the main component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is set to lapse in several countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Operate
These medications imitate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and increase feelings of fullness so individuals eat less.
Patients commonly see weight reduction within a few weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Research suggests people may see weight return after a year of halting the treatment, because their usual food cravings come back.
Being carrying excess weight elevates your likelihood for contracting medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific malignancies.
Obesity impacts individuals in every country and was responsible for 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
