World Health Organization Raises Alert Over Critical Lack of Obesity Jabs

Less than one in 10 patients that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy are able to get them, caution the WHO as it publishes its initial advice on the medications.

With more than one billion individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is calling for increased and just availability to GLP-1 medication.

Based on projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.

"Our new guidance affirms that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with holistic and lifelong care," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are key obstacles to broad availability to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing substantial body mass, notes the body.

Weight-Loss Drug Shortage

Even under the current most optimistic outlook, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, according to the health organization.

The advice calls on governments and firms to widen availability, via measures including voluntary licensing.

A patent on semaglutide – the main component of a leading brand – is set to lapse in a number of countries in 2026.

How Weight-Loss Injections Work

GLP-1 drugs mimick a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and boost feelings of fullness so people reduce food intake.

People commonly start to lose weight within a few weeks of beginning the weekly injections.

Research indicates patients may regain a significant portion within a year of discontinuing the treatment, when their usual appetite resume.

Being carrying excess weight raises your likelihood for developing medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain cancers.

Excess weight concerns people in countries worldwide and was associated with over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.