World Health Organization Raises Alert Over Critical Lack of Weight-Loss Jabs
Less than 10% of people that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy can access them, states the WHO as it releases its first guidance on the medications.
Given over a billion individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.
Based on projections, more than two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with comprehensive and continuous support," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are major hurdles to widespread access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing considerable body mass, says the organization.
Skinny Jab Scarcity
Despite the current best projected scenario, the supply of such drugs might only reach around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, per the health organization.
The advice encourages nations and manufacturers to widen access, by approaches including voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the main component of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Work
GLP-1 drugs imitate a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and boost feelings of fullness so users consume fewer calories.
Individuals usually see weight reduction after several weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Studies points to users may see weight return a year later of discontinuing the treatment, because their usual hunger come back.
Being overweight or obese increases your chance for experiencing health problems, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight affects individuals in countries worldwide and was responsible for 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
