WHO Raises Concern Over Severe Lack of Obesity Jabs

Fewer than a tenth of patients who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy are able to get them, states the WHO as it releases its initial guidance on the therapies.

Given over a billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is calling for broader and more equitable access to this class of drugs.

Based on estimates, over two billion will be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.

"Our new guidelines affirms that obesity is a long-term condition that can be managed with comprehensive and lifelong treatment," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are major barriers to universal access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing considerable body mass, explains the agency.

Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis

Despite the present most favorable outlook, the production of such drugs might only reach approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, as stated by the WHO.

The guideline calls on countries and companies to widen availability, by approaches like voluntary licensing.

A patent on semaglutide – the main component of a leading brand – is set to lapse in several countries in 2026.

How Obesity Drugs Work

GLP-1 drugs replicate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and increase feelings of fullness so users reduce food intake.

Patients typically see weight reduction in the initial weeks of commencing the weekly injections.

Studies points to patients may regain a significant portion after a year of halting the treatment, as their usual appetite come back.

To be above a healthy weight increases your chance for contracting medical conditions, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and some malignancies.

Excess weight concerns individuals in countries worldwide and was associated with millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.