The Global Health Body Sounds Warning Over Acute Scarcity of Weight-Loss Jabs

Less than one in 10 individuals who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy have access to them, warns the global health agency as it issues its inaugural recommendations on the therapies.

With more than one billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is calling for increased and just availability to these injectable treatments.

According to projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.

"The latest guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be managed with comprehensive and continuous care," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are significant obstacles to widespread availability to the injections that can aid individuals in losing considerable weight, notes the body.

Skinny Jab Shortage

Even in the present most favorable outlook, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies could only cover approximately 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, according to the WHO.

The advice encourages countries and companies to widen availability, through strategies including patent sharing.

A patent on semaglutide – the primary component of a leading brand – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.

The Way Obesity Injections Work

The injections mimick a natural hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so users consume fewer calories.

Individuals typically start to lose weight after several weeks of beginning the weekly injections.

Research indicates people may see weight return after a year of discontinuing the treatment, when their usual food cravings return.

To be carrying excess weight raises your likelihood for contracting medical conditions, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific cancers.

Excess weight impacts people in countries worldwide and was linked to millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.