World Health Organization Raises Concern Over Critical Lack of Weight-Loss Jabs
Less than 10% of people who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy are able to get them, states the WHO as it issues its initial guidance on the drugs.
Given more than one billion people worldwide currently obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.
Per estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be managed with thorough and ongoing support," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are major hurdles to broad availability to the injections that can help people shift considerable weight, explains the organization.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Even under the current most optimistic scenario, the supply of these medications might only reach around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the health organization.
The guideline urges governments and firms to increase availability, through strategies including licensing agreements.
A patent on semaglutide – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Work
GLP-1 drugs imitate a biological compound to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and boost the sense of being full so people consume fewer calories.
Patients typically see weight reduction in the initial weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Studies suggests patients may regain a significant portion a year later of discontinuing the treatment, when their normal appetite return.
To be above a healthy weight elevates your risk for contracting medical conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain cancers.
Obesity impacts people in every country and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
