WHO Sounds Concern Over Critical Scarcity of Obesity Jabs

Less than one in 10 individuals who could benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy are able to get them, caution the global health agency as it issues its inaugural recommendations on the drugs.

Considering over a billion individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable access to this class of drugs.

Per forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be obese by 2030 without intervention.

"Our latest guidelines recognises that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with comprehensive and lifelong support," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are significant barriers to widespread access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing considerable body mass, says the agency.

GLP-1 Therapy Shortage

Even in the present best projected scenario, the manufacturing of such drugs would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, per the WHO.

The advice encourages nations and manufacturers to widen availability, via measures like licensing agreements.

Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the primary ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is set to lapse in several countries in 2026.

The Way Obesity Jabs Operate

GLP-1 drugs replicate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and boost the sense of being full so individuals consume fewer calories.

Patients typically begin shedding pounds after several weeks of starting on the weekly injections.

Evidence suggests people may put most of the weight back on within a year of discontinuing the treatment, because their typical hunger come back.

To be above a healthy weight elevates your risk for developing medical conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific cancers.

Excess weight impacts people in every country and was linked to over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.