The Global Health Body Issues Warning Over Acute Scarcity of Weight-Loss Medications
Less than one in 10 patients who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy can access them, states the global health agency as it releases its first advice on the medications.
Considering over a billion individuals worldwide now obese, it is advocating for increased and just access to this class of drugs.
According to estimates, over two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The latest guidelines affirms that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be managed with comprehensive and lifelong treatment," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are major obstacles to broad access to the jabs that can help people shift considerable body mass, explains the agency.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even in the current best projected scenario, the manufacturing of such drugs could only cover approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, per the WHO.
The guideline encourages countries and companies to expand access, through approaches like voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the main component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Injections Function
These medications mimick a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and boost satiety so people eat less.
People commonly start to lose weight within a few weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Evidence indicates users may regain a significant portion a year later of stopping the treatment, as their usual hunger resume.
To be carrying excess weight increases your chance for contracting diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some cancers.
Excess weight affects individuals in countries worldwide and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.