WHO Issues Warning Over Acute Lack of Weight-Loss Jabs
Fewer than 10% of people that would benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy are able to get them, warns the WHO as it releases its first recommendations on the therapies.
With more than one billion individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is calling for more widespread and fairer availability to this class of drugs.
Based on forecasts, over two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be addressed with thorough and continuous care," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are major obstacles to broad availability to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing significant body mass, explains the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Even under the present best projected scenario, the supply of GLP-1 therapies might only reach about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, per the health organization.
The guideline calls on nations and manufacturers to increase access, through strategies like voluntary licensing.
The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the core component of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Function
The injections mimick a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and enhance the sense of being full so individuals consume fewer calories.
Patients usually see weight reduction after several weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Research suggests people may see weight return after a year of discontinuing the drug, because their usual appetite return.
Being overweight or obese elevates your chance for experiencing diseases, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight concerns people in countries worldwide and was linked to millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.