🔗 Share this article World Health Organization Sounds Concern Over Severe Scarcity of Weight-Loss Jabs Under a tenth of patients that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy are able to get them, caution the global health agency as it publishes its first guidance on the therapies. Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is calling for broader and more equitable access to this class of drugs. Per forecasts, over two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken. "The new guidance affirms that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be managed with holistic and continuous care," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. High costs, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are key obstacles to widespread access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing significant body mass, notes the agency. GLP-1 Therapy Shortage Even under the present best projected scenario, the production of such drugs could only cover around 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the WHO. The guideline encourages countries and companies to widen access, by measures such as licensing agreements. The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the primary component of a leading brand – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026. The Way Obesity Jabs Operate The injections mimick a biological compound to slow digestion, curb appetite and boost feelings of fullness so people consume fewer calories. Individuals typically start to lose weight within a few weeks of beginning the regular doses. Studies suggests patients may put most of the weight back on a year later of discontinuing the treatment, when their usual food cravings come back. To be carrying excess weight raises your likelihood for contracting medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers. Obesity impacts people in every country and was responsible for over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
Under a tenth of patients that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy are able to get them, caution the global health agency as it publishes its first guidance on the therapies. Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is calling for broader and more equitable access to this class of drugs. Per forecasts, over two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken. "The new guidance affirms that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be managed with holistic and continuous care," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. High costs, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are key obstacles to widespread access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing significant body mass, notes the agency. GLP-1 Therapy Shortage Even under the present best projected scenario, the production of such drugs could only cover around 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the WHO. The guideline encourages countries and companies to widen access, by measures such as licensing agreements. The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the primary component of a leading brand – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026. The Way Obesity Jabs Operate The injections mimick a biological compound to slow digestion, curb appetite and boost feelings of fullness so people consume fewer calories. Individuals typically start to lose weight within a few weeks of beginning the regular doses. Studies suggests patients may put most of the weight back on a year later of discontinuing the treatment, when their usual food cravings come back. To be carrying excess weight raises your likelihood for contracting medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers. Obesity impacts people in every country and was responsible for over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.