World Health Organization Sounds Warning Over Severe Lack of Weight-Loss Jabs
Less than 10% of patients who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy are able to get them, caution the global health agency as it issues its initial guidance on the therapies.
With over a billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is calling for broader and more equitable availability to this class of drugs.
Based on estimates, more than two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The new guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with thorough and lifelong care," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are major barriers to broad access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing considerable weight, notes the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Even in the present best projected outlook, the production of these medications might only reach approximately 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, per the health organization.
The advice calls on countries and companies to widen access, through strategies including patent sharing.
A patent on the active ingredient – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Operate
GLP-1 drugs replicate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and increase satiety so people consume fewer calories.
Individuals typically see weight reduction after several weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Research points to patients may regain a significant portion after a year of halting the medication, because their typical hunger resume.
Being carrying excess weight increases your risk for contracting health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and some cancers.
Excess weight affects people in all nations and was responsible for millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
