The Global Health Body Issues Warning Over Critical Shortage of Weight-Loss Jabs

Fewer than one in 10 patients who could benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy have access to them, caution the WHO as it publishes its first guidance on the therapies.

With more than one billion individuals worldwide now obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer access to this class of drugs.

According to projections, more than two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.

"The latest guidelines recognises that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be managed with comprehensive and continuous support," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are major obstacles to widespread availability to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing significant weight, says the organization.

Skinny Jab Scarcity

Even in the present most optimistic scenario, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies could only cover about 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, according to the WHO.

The recommendation urges nations and manufacturers to increase availability, by strategies like voluntary licensing.

A patent on the active ingredient – the primary component of a leading brand – is due to expire in a number of nations in 2026.

How Weight-Loss Jabs Work

These medications mimick a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and enhance satiety so individuals eat less.

Individuals usually see weight reduction after several weeks of starting on the regular doses.

Evidence suggests patients may regain a significant portion within a year of discontinuing the drug, when their normal appetite resume.

To be overweight or obese elevates your risk for developing medical conditions, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain malignancies.

Obesity impacts individuals in all nations and was responsible for millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.