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

Less than a tenth of patients eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy have access to them, warns the WHO as it releases its first advice on the medications.

With over a billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is calling for increased and just availability to this class of drugs.

According to projections, over two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 without intervention.

"Our latest guidelines recognises that obesity is a long-term condition that can be managed with comprehensive and continuous care," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are key obstacles to widespread access to the jabs that can help people shift considerable weight, notes the body.

GLP-1 Therapy Shortage

Even in the current best projected outlook, the supply of GLP-1 therapies might only reach approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, as stated by the WHO.

The recommendation urges governments and firms to expand availability, by strategies including licensing agreements.

A patent on a key compound – the core ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of nations in 2026.

How Weight-Loss Injections Function

These medications imitate a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and enhance satiety so people reduce food intake.

People typically see weight reduction after several weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.

Research points to users may regain a significant portion a year later of halting the drug, as their typical hunger come back.

Being overweight or obese raises your risk for experiencing diseases, like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific cancers.

Excess weight concerns individuals in all nations and was responsible for 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.