WHO Raises Alert Over Severe Lack of Weight-Loss Jabs

Fewer than one in 10 individuals who could benefit from obesity jabs like Wegovy are able to get them, warns the global health agency as it publishes its initial advice on the drugs.

Considering over a billion individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer availability to these injectable treatments.

Based on forecasts, more than two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 without intervention.

"Our new guidelines affirms that obesity is a chronic disease that can be addressed with holistic and continuous care," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Significant expense, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are key obstacles to broad access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing significant weight, notes the organization.

Weight-Loss Drug Shortage

Despite the present best projected outlook, the production of GLP-1 therapies could only cover about 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, according to the health organization.

The advice calls on governments and firms to widen availability, via strategies including patent sharing.

Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the primary ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.

How Obesity Drugs Operate

The injections imitate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and increase satiety so users eat less.

People commonly see weight reduction after several weeks of starting on the regular doses.

Evidence suggests people may see weight return after a year of halting the drug, when their usual appetite return.

Being overweight or obese elevates your chance for contracting medical conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and specific cancers.

Excess weight concerns individuals in all nations and was associated with over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.