The Global Health Body Raises Warning Over Critical Shortage of Obesity Injections
Fewer than one in 10 patients eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy are able to get them, caution the global health agency as it publishes its first advice on the therapies.
With in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide now living with obesity, it is advocating for broader and more equitable access to this class of drugs.
Per projections, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidelines affirms that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with thorough and continuous treatment," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are significant obstacles to widespread availability to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing substantial body mass, explains the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Despite the current best projected scenario, the supply of these medications could only cover around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the WHO.
The recommendation calls on governments and firms to widen access, through approaches including voluntary licensing.
The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the primary component of the drug Wegovy – is set to lapse in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Work
These medications replicate a natural hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and boost the sense of being full so people eat less.
People commonly see weight reduction after several weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Studies points to patients may put most of the weight back on a year later of halting the medication, when their usual appetite resume.
To be overweight or obese elevates your likelihood for experiencing diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific cancers.
Obesity impacts people in every country and was linked to millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
