The Global Health Body Raises Alert Over Critical Scarcity of Weight-Loss Jabs

Less than 10% of individuals eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy have access to them, states the World Health Organization as it issues its initial recommendations on the therapies.

With in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently obese, it is calling for increased and just access to these injectable treatments.

According to forecasts, over two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.

"The new guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be treated with holistic and ongoing support," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are key obstacles to universal access to the jabs that can help people shift significant body mass, says the agency.

GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity

Even in the present most favorable case, the manufacturing of these medications might only reach about 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, per the health organization.

The recommendation calls on countries and companies to widen availability, via approaches including voluntary licensing.

A patent on semaglutide – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.

The Way Weight-Loss Injections Operate

These medications mimick a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and enhance feelings of fullness so people consume fewer calories.

Patients usually see weight reduction after several weeks of starting on the weekly injections.

Studies points to users may regain a significant portion a year later of halting the treatment, because their usual appetite return.

To be overweight or obese raises your risk for developing medical conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain cancers.

Excess weight concerns people in every country and was responsible for millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.