World Health Organization Sounds Alert Over Acute Lack of Weight-Loss Jabs

Fewer than one in 10 patients who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy can access them, states the World Health Organization as it issues its initial guidance on the drugs.

With more than one billion people worldwide now living with obesity, it is advocating for broader and more equitable access to this class of drugs.

Based on estimates, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.

"Our latest guidance recognises that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with thorough and lifelong support," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Significant expense, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are key barriers to widespread access to the treatments that can help people shift considerable body mass, explains the body.

Skinny Jab Scarcity

Despite the present most optimistic scenario, the supply of such drugs would only suffice for around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, according to the WHO.

The guideline urges governments and firms to increase availability, via measures including voluntary licensing.

The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the main ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.

The Way Weight-Loss Injections Function

GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and increase feelings of fullness so individuals consume fewer calories.

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

Research points to users may regain a significant portion a year later of stopping the treatment, because their usual appetite come back.

Being carrying excess weight raises your likelihood for contracting diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific cancers.

Obesity concerns individuals in every country and was associated with over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.