The Global Health Body Raises Concern Over Severe Shortage of Weight-Loss Medications
Less than a tenth of individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy can access them, states the global health agency as it issues its initial advice on the therapies.
With over a billion individuals worldwide now obese, it is advocating for increased and just access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on estimates, over two billion could be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The new guidelines affirms that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong treatment," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are major barriers to broad access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing substantial weight, says the agency.
Skinny Jab Scarcity
Even under the present best projected outlook, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the WHO.
The advice encourages governments and firms to widen availability, via approaches including voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the main component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Jabs Function
The injections replicate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and boost feelings of fullness so users eat less.
People usually see weight reduction after several weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Studies suggests users may see weight return within a year of discontinuing the medication, as their typical appetite come back.
Being carrying excess weight raises your likelihood for contracting medical conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and specific malignancies.
Obesity impacts people in every country and was associated with 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
