The Global Health Body Raises Warning Over Critical Lack of Weight-Loss Injections
Fewer than a tenth of patients eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy can access them, states the WHO as it publishes its first advice on the drugs.
With over a billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is advocating for broader and more equitable access to these injectable treatments.
Based on projections, over two billion could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with holistic and continuous treatment," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are key hurdles to broad availability to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing significant weight, notes the body.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Despite the present most optimistic outlook, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for about 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the health organization.
The recommendation encourages countries and companies to widen access, by strategies including voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Function
GLP-1 drugs mimick a natural hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and increase the sense of being full so individuals eat less.
Patients commonly see weight reduction within a few weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Research suggests people may put most of the weight back on a year later of halting the treatment, when their normal hunger return.
To be above a healthy weight increases your likelihood for developing medical conditions, like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.
Excess weight impacts people in every country and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
