WHO Raises Concern Over Severe Shortage of Weight-Loss Jabs
Fewer than 10% of patients that would benefit from obesity jabs like Wegovy have access to them, warns the global health agency as it publishes its first advice on the drugs.
Considering more than one billion individuals worldwide now obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer availability to this class of drugs.
Based on estimates, over two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The latest guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be treated with thorough and lifelong care," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are key obstacles to widespread availability to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing significant body mass, explains the body.
Skinny Jab Scarcity
Even under the current most optimistic scenario, the production of such drugs could only cover approximately 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, per the health organization.
The recommendation calls on nations and manufacturers to widen availability, via approaches like licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the primary component of a leading brand – is due to expire in a number of nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Function
GLP-1 drugs replicate a natural hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and boost feelings of fullness so people consume fewer calories.
Individuals usually see weight reduction after several weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Evidence points to people may put most of the weight back on a year later of stopping the medication, when their usual food cravings resume.
Being overweight or obese raises your chance for contracting health problems, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific cancers.
Obesity concerns people in countries worldwide and was responsible for over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
