WHO Issues Warning Over Critical Lack of Weight-Loss Jabs

Fewer than a tenth of individuals eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy have access to them, states the global health agency as it releases its first advice on the drugs.

With more than one billion people worldwide currently obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable access to these injectable treatments.

Per projections, more than two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.

"The new guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with comprehensive and continuous support," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Substantial prices, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are significant hurdles to broad availability to the injections that can assist patients in reducing considerable weight, says the organization.

GLP-1 Therapy Shortage

Despite the current best projected case, the supply of such drugs would only suffice for about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, according to the WHO.

The recommendation calls on nations and manufacturers to expand access, by strategies like licensing agreements.

A patent on the active ingredient – the main component of a leading brand – is set to lapse in several countries in 2026.

How Obesity Injections Function

GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so individuals eat less.

Patients typically see weight reduction within a few weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.

Evidence suggests patients may see weight return a year later of halting the medication, because their typical appetite resume.

To be overweight or obese elevates your risk for experiencing medical conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.

Obesity impacts people in every country and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.