WHO Sounds Alert Over Critical Shortage of Obesity Jabs

Under a tenth of patients who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy have access to them, warns the WHO as it releases its initial advice on the medications.

Considering over a billion people worldwide now living with obesity, it is advocating for broader and more equitable availability to GLP-1 medication.

Per projections, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.

"The latest guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be addressed with comprehensive and continuous treatment," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are significant hurdles to widespread availability to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing substantial weight, explains the body.

GLP-1 Therapy Shortage

Even under the current best projected scenario, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies might only reach approximately 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, per the health organization.

The guideline urges governments and firms to increase availability, by strategies such as patent sharing.

Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the main component of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in several nations in 2026.

The Way Obesity Injections Operate

These medications replicate a biological compound to slow digestion, reduce hunger and enhance satiety so users eat less.

Individuals usually begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.

Evidence suggests patients may see weight return a year later of halting the treatment, when their usual food cravings resume.

To be carrying excess weight increases your risk for experiencing medical conditions, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain malignancies.

Excess weight impacts people in all nations and was linked to over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.