World Health Organization Issues Warning Over Severe Shortage of Weight-Loss Jabs
Fewer than 10% of patients eligible to benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy can access them, states the global health agency as it publishes its initial advice on the medications.
With more than one billion individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is urging broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidance acknowledges that obesity is a long-term condition that can be managed with comprehensive and continuous care," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are significant obstacles to widespread availability to the injections that can help people shift substantial weight, explains the organization.
Skinny Jab Scarcity
Even in the present most favorable outlook, the production of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, according to the WHO.
The recommendation calls on countries and companies to expand access, by approaches including licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the core ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several nations in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Drugs Work
These medications mimick a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and increase satiety so users eat less.
People typically start to lose weight after several weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Research indicates people may see weight return after a year of halting the treatment, as their typical food cravings resume.
To be overweight or obese elevates your risk for experiencing medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific cancers.
Obesity affects people in all nations and was responsible for millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
