WHO Sounds Concern Over Critical Lack of Weight-Loss Jabs
Less than a tenth of patients that would benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy have access to them, caution the World Health Organization as it issues its initial guidance on the medications.
Given over a billion individuals worldwide now living with obesity, it is calling for broader and more equitable availability to these injectable treatments.
According to estimates, over two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidance affirms that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with holistic and ongoing care," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are major barriers to broad access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing considerable weight, notes the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even under the current most optimistic case, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, as stated by the WHO.
The recommendation calls on countries and companies to expand access, via measures including voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the main ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Function
The injections replicate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and enhance satiety so individuals reduce food intake.
People usually begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Research suggests people may see weight return within a year of halting the drug, when their typical appetite resume.
Being above a healthy weight increases your likelihood for contracting diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain cancers.
Obesity impacts people in every country and was associated with over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
