WHO Raises Concern Over Severe Scarcity of Weight-Loss Jabs

Fewer than a tenth of patients who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy can access them, caution the global health agency as it publishes its initial advice on the medications.

Given over a billion people worldwide now obese, it is urging increased and just access to this class of drugs.

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

"The latest guidance affirms that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with comprehensive and lifelong treatment," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are key barriers to universal access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, says the agency.

GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis

Even in the present most favorable case, the supply of such drugs would only suffice for around 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, according to the WHO.

The guideline calls on nations and manufacturers to increase availability, by measures such as patent sharing.

A patent on semaglutide – the main component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.

The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Function

These medications imitate a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and enhance satiety so people eat less.

People usually start to lose weight after several weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.

Studies suggests patients may see weight return after a year of halting the treatment, because their normal appetite come back.

To be carrying excess weight raises your risk for developing diseases, like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.

Obesity concerns people in all nations and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.