The Global Health Body Issues Warning Over Acute Scarcity of Obesity Jabs

Fewer than 10% of patients eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy can access them, caution the WHO as it publishes its first guidance on the medications.

With over a billion individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging broader and more equitable access to this class of drugs.

According to forecasts, over two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.

"Our latest guidance recognises that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with holistic and ongoing care," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are significant hurdles to broad availability to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing significant body mass, notes the agency.

Skinny Jab Supply Crisis

Even under the present best projected scenario, the production of these medications could only cover about 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, according to the health organization.

The recommendation calls on nations and manufacturers to widen access, by measures such as voluntary licensing.

The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the core ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several nations in 2026.

The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Operate

GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and boost satiety so individuals eat less.

People usually see weight reduction after several weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.

Research suggests users may see weight return within a year of discontinuing the treatment, because their typical food cravings return.

Being overweight or obese increases your risk for contracting diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific cancers.

Obesity impacts people in every country and was linked to millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.