World Health Organization Raises Warning Over Acute Scarcity of Obesity Jabs
Fewer than 10% of patients who could benefit from obesity jabs like Wegovy can access them, warns the global health agency as it issues its first advice on the therapies.
With in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently obese, it is advocating for broader and more equitable availability to GLP-1 medication.
Per forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The latest guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be treated with holistic and continuous support," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are significant obstacles to universal availability to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing considerable weight, explains the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even in the present most favorable outlook, the production of such drugs could only cover around 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, according to the health organization.
The recommendation encourages countries and companies to widen availability, by measures such as voluntary licensing.
A patent on the active ingredient – the primary ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is set to lapse in several countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Function
The injections imitate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and boost feelings of fullness so individuals consume fewer calories.
Patients usually begin shedding pounds after several weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Evidence suggests users may see weight return after a year of halting the drug, as their typical hunger return.
To be carrying excess weight elevates your likelihood for contracting health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight impacts people in all nations and was associated with over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
