WHO Raises Alert Over Severe Scarcity of Obesity Jabs
Less than 10% of people that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy are able to get them, caution the WHO as it publishes its first recommendations on the drugs.
Considering more than one billion people worldwide now obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to this class of drugs.
According to estimates, more than two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with thorough and continuous support," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are significant barriers to broad availability to the injections that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, notes the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even in the current most favorable scenario, the manufacturing of these medications could only cover about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, according to the health organization.
The recommendation calls on countries and companies to widen availability, via measures such as voluntary licensing.
A patent on a key compound – the primary ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in a number of nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Operate
GLP-1 drugs replicate a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and boost feelings of fullness so individuals reduce food intake.
Patients commonly begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Research suggests users may see weight return a year later of stopping the medication, because their typical hunger return.
To be carrying excess weight elevates your chance for contracting medical conditions, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some malignancies.
Excess weight affects people in every country and was responsible for 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.