WHO Issues Warning Over Acute Lack of Weight-Loss Injections

Less than 10% of people that would benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy are able to get them, warns the World Health Organization as it issues its initial guidance on the therapies.

Given more than one billion individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is advocating for broader and more equitable availability to this class of drugs.

Per projections, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.

"Our latest guidelines affirms that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be managed with holistic and lifelong support," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are major obstacles to broad availability to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing significant weight, says the agency.

Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis

Even in the current most optimistic scenario, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies might only reach around 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, according to the WHO.

The recommendation encourages governments and firms to expand access, via measures like voluntary licensing.

A patent on semaglutide – the main component of a leading brand – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.

How Obesity Drugs Work

The injections imitate a biological compound to slow digestion, reduce hunger and enhance feelings of fullness so people reduce food intake.

Individuals commonly see weight reduction within a few weeks of starting on the regular doses.

Evidence suggests users may regain a significant portion within a year of stopping the drug, as their typical food cravings return.

To be overweight or obese elevates your likelihood for developing medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and some malignancies.

Excess weight impacts individuals in all nations and was associated with millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.