The Global Health Body Raises Warning Over Critical Lack of Obesity Injections

Less than one in 10 people who could benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy are able to get them, caution the WHO as it publishes its first recommendations on the therapies.

Considering more than one billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is advocating for increased and just access to these injectable treatments.

Based on projections, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.

"Our latest guidelines affirms that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be managed with holistic and continuous care," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are key barriers to broad availability to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing considerable body mass, notes the body.

Weight-Loss Drug Shortage

Despite the present most optimistic scenario, the production of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for around 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, according to the WHO.

The guideline calls on governments and firms to expand availability, through strategies such as licensing agreements.

Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the primary ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is set to lapse in multiple countries in 2026.

The Way Weight-Loss Injections Operate

These medications replicate a biological compound to slow digestion, curb appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so users eat less.

Individuals usually start to lose weight within a few weeks of starting on the regular doses.

Research indicates people may regain a significant portion within a year of discontinuing the treatment, as their normal hunger come back.

To be overweight or obese increases your risk for developing health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain malignancies.

Excess weight concerns people in every country and was associated with millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.