WHO Raises Alert Over Critical Shortage of Obesity Injections
Less than 10% of patients eligible to benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy are able to get them, caution the World Health Organization as it releases its initial advice on the therapies.
With more than one billion individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable access to these injectable treatments.
Per projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be treated with holistic and ongoing treatment," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are significant obstacles to widespread access to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing considerable body mass, explains the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Despite the current most optimistic outlook, the production of GLP-1 therapies could only cover about 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, according to the health organization.
The recommendation urges governments and firms to increase access, through approaches such as patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the main component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Work
The injections mimick a body's own hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so individuals eat less.
Patients usually see weight reduction within a few weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Studies suggests users may see weight return after a year of discontinuing the medication, as their usual food cravings resume.
To be overweight or obese increases your risk for experiencing health problems, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.
Obesity impacts individuals in countries worldwide and was linked to over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
