WHO Sounds Warning Over Acute Lack of Obesity Medications
Under 10% of people who could benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy have access to them, warns the global health agency as it releases its initial advice on the medications.
Considering over a billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is calling for broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.
Per forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidelines affirms that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be treated with thorough and ongoing care," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are significant obstacles to widespread access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing considerable body mass, says the organization.
Skinny Jab Scarcity
Despite the current most favorable scenario, the production of GLP-1 therapies could only cover approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, according to the health organization.
The recommendation urges countries and companies to widen availability, through measures like voluntary licensing.
The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the core ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in a number of countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Injections Function
The injections replicate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and enhance feelings of fullness so people reduce food intake.
Patients usually begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Studies indicates people may regain a significant portion within a year of stopping the medication, because their typical appetite come back.
To be above a healthy weight raises your likelihood for contracting health problems, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.
Obesity impacts individuals in countries worldwide and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
