WHO Sounds Warning Over Critical Shortage of Weight-Loss Injections
Under one in 10 patients that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy can access them, states the global health agency as it releases its first recommendations on the medications.
Considering over a billion people worldwide currently obese, it is calling for more widespread and fairer access to GLP-1 medication.
Per estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidelines affirms that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be managed with thorough and continuous support," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are significant hurdles to broad availability to the injections that can assist patients in reducing considerable body mass, notes the body.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even under the current most optimistic outlook, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies might only reach approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, according to the WHO.
The recommendation urges governments and firms to expand access, via strategies like patent sharing.
The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the core component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Operate
The injections imitate a natural hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and enhance the sense of being full so people consume fewer calories.
Patients typically start to lose weight within a few weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Evidence points to patients may put most of the weight back on after a year of discontinuing the treatment, because their usual hunger return.
To be above a healthy weight elevates your likelihood for experiencing diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers.
Excess weight impacts individuals in every country and was responsible for over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
