The Global Health Body Raises Alert Over Acute Lack of Weight-Loss Medications
Under 10% of patients eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy have access to them, caution the WHO as it publishes its inaugural guidance on the therapies.
With more than one billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is urging broader and more equitable availability to this class of drugs.
Based on forecasts, over two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The new guidelines affirms that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be treated with holistic and continuous support," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are key hurdles to widespread access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing significant weight, notes the agency.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Even under the present best projected scenario, the supply of these medications might only reach around 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, per the health organization.
The guideline calls on nations and manufacturers to increase access, through strategies like voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in multiple countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Injections Work
The injections mimick a biological compound to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and boost satiety so individuals consume fewer calories.
Individuals usually begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Evidence indicates people may regain a significant portion a year later of halting the treatment, when their usual food cravings come back.
Being carrying excess weight elevates your risk for developing medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.
Obesity concerns individuals in countries worldwide and was linked to 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
