The Global Health Body Issues Alert Over Severe Lack of Weight-Loss Jabs

Fewer than 10% of individuals that would benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy are able to get them, caution the WHO as it releases its initial advice on the medications.

With more than one billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is urging broader and more equitable availability to these injectable treatments.

According to estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.

"The latest guidelines recognises that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with holistic and continuous support," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are significant obstacles to broad access to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing considerable weight, says the agency.

Skinny Jab Shortage

Even in the present most favorable outlook, the production of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, according to the WHO.

The guideline calls on governments and firms to widen access, through measures like licensing agreements.

A patent on the active ingredient – the main component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is set to lapse in multiple nations in 2026.

How Weight-Loss Injections Operate

These medications mimick a natural hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so users reduce food intake.

Individuals commonly start to lose weight in the initial weeks of commencing the regular doses.

Evidence indicates patients may put most of the weight back on within a year of stopping the treatment, as their typical appetite resume.

To be overweight or obese increases your risk for experiencing diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific cancers.

Obesity impacts individuals in every country and was linked to 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.