World Health Organization Sounds Warning Over Critical Shortage of Obesity Jabs

Under 10% of individuals eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy can access them, warns the WHO as it releases its inaugural recommendations on the drugs.

Considering over a billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is calling for increased and just access to GLP-1 medication.

According to estimates, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.

"The new guidance affirms that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be managed with comprehensive and continuous care," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are major barriers to broad availability to the injections that can help people shift considerable weight, says the organization.

GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity

Despite the present best projected scenario, the manufacturing of these medications would only suffice for about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, as stated by the WHO.

The advice encourages governments and firms to widen access, by measures like patent sharing.

A patent on a key compound – the main component of a leading brand – is set to lapse in a number of countries in 2026.

The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Work

These medications replicate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and enhance satiety so users consume fewer calories.

People usually start to lose weight within a few weeks of beginning the weekly injections.

Evidence suggests people may put most of the weight back on a year later of halting the medication, when their normal hunger come back.

Being above a healthy weight elevates your likelihood for contracting medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some malignancies.

Obesity impacts people in countries worldwide and was linked to 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.