WHO Raises Concern Over Critical Lack of Obesity Medications

Less than a tenth of patients eligible to benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy can access them, warns the World Health Organization as it releases its first advice on the therapies.

With more than one billion people worldwide now obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer access to GLP-1 medication.

Per projections, over two billion will be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.

"Our latest guidelines affirms that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be managed with comprehensive and continuous treatment," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are key obstacles to widespread availability to the jabs that can help people shift considerable weight, notes the organization.

Skinny Jab Supply Crisis

Even in the current best projected scenario, the production of these medications might only reach around 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, per the health organization.

The advice encourages governments and firms to increase access, by strategies including patent sharing.

Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the primary ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in a number of countries in 2026.

The Way Weight-Loss Injections Operate

GLP-1 drugs mimick a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and increase the sense of being full so people reduce food intake.

Individuals usually begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.

Studies indicates people may regain a significant portion after a year of halting the medication, when their typical hunger come back.

To be overweight or obese elevates your likelihood for contracting medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain malignancies.

Obesity impacts people in all nations and was linked to 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.