WHO Issues Warning Over Critical Lack of Obesity Jabs

Fewer than one in 10 people who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy are able to get them, states the global health agency as it publishes its initial recommendations on the drugs.

Given over a billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable access to these injectable treatments.

Based on estimates, over two billion will be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.

"The new guidelines recognises that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be managed with comprehensive and lifelong support," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are major hurdles to universal access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing substantial weight, explains the organization.

GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity

Even in the current best projected scenario, the supply of GLP-1 therapies might only reach about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, according to the WHO.

The guideline encourages governments and firms to widen availability, by strategies such as voluntary licensing.

Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the primary component of a leading brand – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.

The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Work

These medications mimick a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and enhance satiety so people consume fewer calories.

Individuals commonly start to lose weight after several weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.

Evidence points to patients may regain a significant portion within a year of stopping the treatment, because their normal appetite return.

To be overweight or obese raises your chance for developing medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers.

Excess weight impacts people in every country and was associated with millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.