World Health Organization Issues Alert Over Severe Shortage of Weight-Loss Jabs

Under a tenth of individuals that would benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy can access them, warns the global health agency as it issues its inaugural recommendations on the therapies.

Given more than one billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is urging broader and more equitable availability to this class of drugs.

Per forecasts, over two billion could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.

"Our latest guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a chronic disease that can be managed with comprehensive and lifelong care," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are significant hurdles to broad access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing significant body mass, notes the body.

Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity

Even in the present most optimistic scenario, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies might only reach around 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.

The advice calls on countries and companies to widen availability, by measures like licensing agreements.

Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the core ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is set to lapse in several nations in 2026.

The Way Obesity Injections Operate

The injections imitate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so individuals consume fewer calories.

Patients commonly begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of starting on the weekly injections.

Evidence suggests users may regain a significant portion within a year of discontinuing the treatment, as their usual food cravings come back.

To be overweight or obese raises your chance for contracting medical conditions, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.

Obesity affects individuals in every country and was associated with millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.