The Global Health Body Sounds Concern Over Severe Lack of Obesity Injections

Less than a tenth of patients that would benefit from obesity jabs like Wegovy can access them, caution the WHO as it issues its initial advice on the drugs.

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

Per estimates, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.

"Our latest guidance acknowledges that obesity is a chronic disease that can be addressed with thorough and ongoing support," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are key hurdles to universal access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing significant body mass, notes the agency.

Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis

Even under the present most optimistic scenario, the supply of such drugs would only suffice for around 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, according to the health organization.

The recommendation urges nations and manufacturers to widen availability, by approaches like licensing agreements.

The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the main ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.

The Way Obesity Drugs Function

The injections replicate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and increase feelings of fullness so people eat less.

People usually see weight reduction in the initial weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.

Research suggests people may see weight return within a year of discontinuing the drug, as their normal appetite resume.

Being carrying excess weight raises your chance for developing diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.

Obesity concerns people in all nations and was associated with 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.