WHO Issues Concern Over Critical Shortage of Weight-Loss Jabs

Fewer than a tenth of patients who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy can access them, warns the WHO as it issues its first advice on the therapies.

With in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide now obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer access to GLP-1 medication.

Per forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be obese by 2030 without intervention.

"Our new guidance recognises that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong care," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are key obstacles to universal availability to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing substantial weight, says the organization.

Skinny Jab Supply Crisis

Even in the current best projected scenario, the production of these medications could only cover around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, according to the WHO.

The guideline calls on governments and firms to increase access, through measures such as patent sharing.

Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the main ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.

How Weight-Loss Injections Work

GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and enhance feelings of fullness so people eat less.

People usually begin shedding pounds after several weeks of starting on the weekly injections.

Evidence indicates people may see weight return within a year of stopping the medication, as their typical appetite come back.

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

Obesity concerns individuals in every country and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.