World Health Organization Raises Concern Over Acute Lack of Weight-Loss Jabs
Under one in 10 people eligible to benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy are able to get them, states the World Health Organization as it publishes its inaugural guidance on the therapies.
With over a billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is urging broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.
Per estimates, more than two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be managed with comprehensive and ongoing support," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are significant hurdles to broad availability to the jabs that can help people shift significant body mass, notes the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Despite the present most optimistic scenario, the supply of such drugs would only suffice for about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, as stated by the WHO.
The guideline calls on nations and manufacturers to widen availability, via measures like patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the main ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Operate
These medications replicate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and enhance feelings of fullness so individuals reduce food intake.
Patients usually see weight reduction in the initial weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.
Studies points to patients may regain a significant portion a year later of stopping the treatment, when their usual food cravings come back.
Being overweight or obese elevates your risk for developing medical conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some malignancies.
Obesity affects people in countries worldwide and was linked to over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
