WHO Sounds Warning Over Severe Lack of Weight-Loss Jabs
Under a tenth of patients eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy are able to get them, warns the global health agency as it issues its initial recommendations on the medications.
Given over a billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is calling for increased and just access to this class of drugs.
Per forecasts, more than two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidelines recognises that obesity is a long-term condition that can be managed with thorough and continuous support," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are significant barriers to widespread availability to the treatments that can help people shift substantial weight, says the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even under the present most favorable case, the production of these medications could only cover around 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, according to the WHO.
The advice calls on countries and companies to increase availability, through strategies including patent sharing.
A patent on the active ingredient – the main component of a leading brand – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
How Obesity Drugs Work
GLP-1 drugs replicate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and boost the sense of being full so users consume fewer calories.
Individuals typically see weight reduction within a few weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Research points to users may put most of the weight back on after a year of stopping the medication, because their typical appetite come back.
To be above a healthy weight increases your risk for developing diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific cancers.
Obesity impacts people in every country and was associated with over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
