WHO Sounds Warning Over Severe Scarcity of Obesity Jabs

Under a tenth of patients that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy are able to get them, caution the WHO as it issues its first advice on the drugs.

With more than one billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for more widespread and fairer availability to GLP-1 medication.

Based on projections, over two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.

"Our latest guidance acknowledges that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be managed with comprehensive and lifelong support," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Significant expense, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are significant hurdles to universal access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, says the body.

GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis

Despite the current best projected scenario, the manufacturing of these medications could only cover about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, per the WHO.

The guideline calls on countries and companies to widen availability, through measures such as licensing agreements.

Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the core ingredient of a leading brand – is set to lapse in multiple countries in 2026.

The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Operate

GLP-1 drugs mimick a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and boost the sense of being full so users eat less.

People usually start to lose weight in the initial weeks of commencing the weekly injections.

Evidence points to users may regain a significant portion a year later of halting the treatment, as their normal food cravings come back.

To be above a healthy weight increases your chance for experiencing diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.

Obesity concerns individuals in all nations and was responsible for 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.