World Health Organization Raises Alert Over Severe Scarcity of Weight-Loss Jabs

Under 10% of patients that would benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy have access to them, caution the global health agency as it releases its first recommendations on the drugs.

Considering more than one billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to GLP-1 medication.

Based on projections, more than two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.

"The new guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be treated with holistic and ongoing care," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are significant barriers to universal access to the treatments that can help people shift considerable body mass, explains the organization.

GLP-1 Therapy Shortage

Even under the present best projected scenario, the production of such drugs could only cover approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, per the health organization.

The advice calls on countries and companies to increase access, through measures like patent sharing.

A patent on the active ingredient – the primary component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is set to lapse in a number of nations in 2026.

The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Work

GLP-1 drugs replicate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so people reduce food intake.

People commonly see weight reduction within a few weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.

Evidence suggests people may regain a significant portion within a year of halting the treatment, when their usual appetite return.

To be overweight or obese elevates your chance for experiencing health problems, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific malignancies.

Obesity concerns individuals in countries worldwide and was linked to millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.