World Health Organization Sounds Concern Over Severe Scarcity of Obesity Jabs
Less than a tenth of people that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy are able to get them, caution the World Health Organization as it releases its first guidance on the therapies.
Considering more than one billion individuals worldwide now living with obesity, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.
Per estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidance affirms that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with holistic and lifelong support," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are key obstacles to widespread availability to the treatments that can help people shift substantial body mass, says the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Despite the present most optimistic outlook, the supply of GLP-1 therapies might only reach about 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, according to the WHO.
The advice calls on countries and companies to widen access, via strategies like voluntary licensing.
The intellectual property rights on a key compound – the main component of the drug Wegovy – is set to lapse in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Function
GLP-1 drugs mimick a natural hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and increase the sense of being full so individuals consume fewer calories.
Patients commonly begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Studies points to people may regain a significant portion within a year of stopping the medication, as their usual appetite resume.
To be carrying excess weight increases your chance for contracting health problems, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some malignancies.
Obesity concerns people in all nations and was responsible for millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
