World Health Organization Raises Concern Over Acute Shortage of Obesity Jabs
Under 10% of individuals eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy are able to get them, caution the global health agency as it publishes its initial advice on the drugs.
Given over a billion people worldwide currently obese, it is urging broader and more equitable availability to these injectable treatments.
Per projections, over two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidance recognises that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be addressed with holistic and lifelong support," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are key barriers to broad access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing substantial body mass, explains the organization.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even under the present most favorable scenario, the production of GLP-1 therapies could only cover about 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, per the WHO.
The recommendation urges nations and manufacturers to expand availability, via measures including voluntary licensing.
The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the core ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in a number of nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Operate
GLP-1 drugs replicate a biological compound to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and increase the sense of being full so individuals consume fewer calories.
Patients usually see weight reduction within a few weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Studies indicates people may regain a significant portion after a year of halting the drug, because their typical hunger return.
Being carrying excess weight raises your likelihood for experiencing health problems, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and specific malignancies.
Obesity affects individuals in every country and was responsible for millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
