The Global Health Body Issues Warning Over Severe Shortage of Weight-Loss Injections

Fewer than one in 10 people that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy have access to them, caution the WHO as it issues its initial guidance on the medications.

With more than one billion individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is advocating for broader and more equitable availability to these injectable treatments.

Per estimates, over two billion will be obese by 2030 without intervention.

"Our latest guidance recognises that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be treated with thorough and ongoing treatment," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Substantial prices, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are major hurdles to widespread access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing considerable weight, says the organization.

Skinny Jab Scarcity

Even in the present most favorable scenario, the manufacturing of such drugs might only reach about 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.

The recommendation calls on nations and manufacturers to increase access, through approaches such as licensing agreements.

A patent on the active ingredient – the main component of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.

The Way Weight-Loss Injections Work

GLP-1 drugs mimick a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and increase feelings of fullness so people consume fewer calories.

Patients typically begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.

Studies suggests users may regain a significant portion after a year of stopping the drug, as their normal appetite return.

To be carrying excess weight elevates your chance for developing diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some malignancies.

Obesity impacts people in every country and was linked to 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.