World Health Organization Issues Alert Over Critical Shortage of Weight-Loss Jabs
Under 10% of patients that would benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy have access to them, caution the global health agency as it publishes its initial guidance on the drugs.
Considering more than one billion individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging broader and more equitable availability to these injectable treatments.
Based on estimates, over two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"Our latest guidelines affirms that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive and continuous treatment," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are significant obstacles to universal access to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing considerable weight, notes the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Even under the present most favorable scenario, the manufacturing of such drugs might only reach around 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, per the WHO.
The advice calls on countries and companies to increase access, via strategies such as licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the main component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Operate
GLP-1 drugs replicate a natural hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and boost feelings of fullness so people reduce food intake.
People commonly begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Studies indicates patients may see weight return a year later of discontinuing the treatment, when their normal food cravings come back.
Being carrying excess weight increases your likelihood for experiencing diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain cancers.
Excess weight impacts people in countries worldwide and was linked to over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
