World Health Organization Raises Warning Over Critical Lack of Obesity Jabs
Less than one in 10 individuals that would benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy can access them, states the global health agency as it releases its first advice on the therapies.
Considering more than one billion individuals worldwide now obese, it is advocating for broader and more equitable access to these injectable treatments.
Per estimates, over two billion could be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with comprehensive and ongoing support," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are significant obstacles to widespread availability to the injections that can assist patients in reducing considerable body mass, notes the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity
Even under the current best projected case, the manufacturing of such drugs would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, per the WHO.
The recommendation urges nations and manufacturers to expand access, by measures like licensing agreements.
The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the main ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is set to lapse in multiple nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Function
GLP-1 drugs mimick a natural hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and enhance the sense of being full so people reduce food intake.
Patients usually see weight reduction after several weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Studies points to people may see weight return within a year of stopping the medication, when their normal appetite resume.
To be carrying excess weight raises your chance for contracting medical conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some malignancies.
Excess weight impacts individuals in countries worldwide and was linked to millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
