WHO Sounds Concern Over Severe Lack of Obesity Jabs

Fewer than one in 10 patients that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy are able to get them, caution the WHO as it releases its inaugural advice on the therapies.

Given more than one billion people worldwide now obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.

Based on forecasts, over two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.

"Our new guidance affirms that obesity is a chronic disease that can be managed with holistic and ongoing treatment," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Significant expense, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are key barriers to universal availability to the injections that can assist patients in reducing significant body mass, says the organization.

Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity

Even in the present most optimistic outlook, the production of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, according to the WHO.

The advice encourages countries and companies to increase access, by approaches like voluntary licensing.

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

The Way Weight-Loss Injections Operate

The injections mimick a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and increase satiety so individuals eat less.

Patients commonly see weight reduction in the initial weeks of commencing the regular doses.

Evidence suggests users may see weight return within a year of halting the drug, when their typical food cravings come back.

To be carrying excess weight elevates your likelihood for experiencing diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and specific cancers.

Excess weight impacts people in all nations and was responsible for over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.