WHO Sounds Alert Over Critical Shortage of Weight-Loss Jabs

Fewer than 10% of people who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy are able to get them, warns the World Health Organization as it issues its initial recommendations on the therapies.

With over a billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer access to GLP-1 medication.

Based on forecasts, over two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.

"The latest guidelines affirms that obesity is a long-term condition that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong support," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are significant barriers to widespread access to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing considerable body mass, explains the body.

Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis

Even under the present most favorable outlook, the supply of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, per the WHO.

The guideline urges governments and firms to expand availability, by strategies including patent sharing.

Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the primary ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in a number of countries in 2026.

The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Function

GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and enhance satiety so users reduce food intake.

Individuals commonly begin shedding pounds after several weeks of starting on the weekly injections.

Research points to patients may see weight return after a year of halting the treatment, as their usual food cravings resume.

Being overweight or obese elevates your likelihood for developing medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain cancers.

Obesity affects individuals in every country and was associated with 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.