World Health Organization Sounds Warning Over Acute Lack of Obesity Injections

Less than one in 10 people eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, states the global health agency as it releases its inaugural advice on the therapies.

Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable availability to these injectable treatments.

Per projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be obese by 2030 without intervention.

"The new guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with holistic and ongoing support," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Significant expense, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are major obstacles to widespread availability to the injections that can assist patients in reducing considerable weight, notes the organization.

GLP-1 Therapy Shortage

Despite the current most favorable scenario, the supply of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.

The recommendation urges countries and companies to widen access, via approaches including licensing agreements.

The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the main ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in a number of countries in 2026.

The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Work

GLP-1 drugs replicate a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and boost feelings of fullness so users reduce food intake.

Patients commonly see weight reduction after several weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.

Research suggests people may put most of the weight back on within a year of discontinuing the treatment, because their normal appetite come back.

To be above a healthy weight raises your risk for experiencing diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific cancers.

Excess weight concerns people in countries worldwide and was linked to millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.