WHO Raises Warning Over Severe Scarcity of Obesity Injections

Under 10% of individuals eligible to benefit from obesity jabs like Wegovy have access to them, caution the global health agency as it issues its initial advice on the drugs.

Considering over a billion individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is calling for increased and just access to this class of drugs.

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

"Our latest guidance affirms that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with comprehensive and lifelong care," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are major hurdles to widespread availability to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing significant body mass, says the body.

Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity

Despite the present best projected scenario, the manufacturing of these medications would only suffice for about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, per the health organization.

The advice urges governments and firms to increase access, through measures including licensing agreements.

A patent on the active ingredient – the main ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.

The Way Obesity Injections Function

GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and boost the sense of being full so individuals consume fewer calories.

Patients typically begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of beginning the regular doses.

Studies points to patients may regain a significant portion within a year of stopping the drug, as their normal appetite come back.

To be overweight or obese raises your chance for developing health problems, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.

Obesity impacts people in every country and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.