World Health Organization Issues Alert Over Acute Shortage of Obesity Jabs
Less than one in 10 people who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy can access them, warns the World Health Organization as it issues its first recommendations on the therapies.
With over a billion individuals worldwide now living with obesity, it is advocating for broader and more equitable availability to these injectable treatments.
Based on forecasts, over two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be managed with holistic and lifelong support," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are key barriers to universal availability to the jabs that can help people shift significant weight, says the agency.
Skinny Jab Scarcity
Despite the present most favorable scenario, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies might only reach about 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, per the WHO.
The advice urges countries and companies to increase access, through approaches such as licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the main component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Function
The injections imitate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and increase the sense of being full so users eat less.
Patients usually begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Evidence suggests patients may see weight return after a year of discontinuing the treatment, because their typical appetite resume.
To be carrying excess weight elevates your risk for developing health problems, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.
Obesity affects individuals in countries worldwide and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
