WHO Issues Warning Over Acute Scarcity of Obesity Jabs
Less than 10% of people that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, states the World Health Organization as it issues its initial advice on the medications.
Considering more than one billion people worldwide currently obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable access to this class of drugs.
According to projections, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The new guidelines affirms that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be treated with holistic and ongoing treatment," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are key barriers to universal availability to the injections that can aid individuals in losing substantial weight, explains the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Despite the current most favorable outlook, the manufacturing of such drugs might only reach approximately 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, per the health organization.
The guideline encourages nations and manufacturers to widen availability, by strategies including patent sharing.
A patent on a key compound – the primary component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Function
The injections imitate a natural hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so users eat less.
Individuals commonly see weight reduction within a few weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Evidence points to users may put most of the weight back on within a year of stopping the treatment, when their usual appetite resume.
To be above a healthy weight raises your risk for developing health problems, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific malignancies.
Obesity affects individuals in countries worldwide and was associated with millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.