World Health Organization Raises Alert Over Critical Lack of Weight-Loss Jabs

Under a tenth of people eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy are able to get them, warns the WHO as it issues its inaugural recommendations on the drugs.

Given more than one billion people worldwide now obese, it is calling for increased and just access to these injectable treatments.

Per forecasts, over two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.

"The new guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be treated with holistic and lifelong support," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are key barriers to universal access to the jabs that can help people shift significant weight, explains the agency.

GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis

Even under the present best projected case, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies might only reach approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, per the WHO.

The recommendation calls on governments and firms to expand availability, through strategies such as licensing agreements.

Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the primary ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in multiple countries in 2026.

How Weight-Loss Jabs Function

The injections mimick a natural hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and enhance satiety so individuals eat less.

Patients commonly begin shedding pounds after several weeks of starting on the regular doses.

Evidence points to people may put most of the weight back on after a year of halting the medication, when their usual appetite come back.

Being overweight or obese elevates your risk for experiencing diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific malignancies.

Excess weight affects individuals in countries worldwide and was associated with over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.