World Health Organization Issues Warning Over Severe Shortage of Obesity Jabs
Less than a tenth of people that would benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy are able to get them, warns the global health agency as it releases its initial advice on the drugs.
With more than one billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is urging broader and more equitable availability to GLP-1 medication.
According to estimates, more than two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"The latest guidance acknowledges that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with comprehensive and lifelong care," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are significant barriers to universal availability to the injections that can aid individuals in losing significant body mass, says the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even under the current most optimistic outlook, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies might only reach around 100 million people โ less than 10% of those who need them, according to the health organization.
The advice urges nations and manufacturers to expand access, through measures such as patent sharing.
A patent on a key compound โ the primary ingredient of the drug Wegovy โ is set to lapse in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Function
GLP-1 drugs imitate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and enhance satiety so users reduce food intake.
People typically see weight reduction in the initial weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Evidence suggests people may regain a significant portion within a year of stopping the treatment, as their usual food cravings return.
To be overweight or obese increases your likelihood for experiencing diseases, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific cancers.
Excess weight affects individuals in countries worldwide and was linked to 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.