The Global Health Body Issues Warning Over Critical Scarcity of Weight-Loss Jabs

Under one in 10 patients that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy can access them, caution the World Health Organization as it issues its initial guidance on the therapies.

With over a billion individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is calling for more widespread and fairer availability to these injectable treatments.

Based on forecasts, more than two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.

"The new guidance recognises that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be addressed with holistic and ongoing support," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are key barriers to universal availability to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing significant weight, says the body.

Skinny Jab Supply Crisis

Despite the current most optimistic outlook, the manufacturing of such drugs could only cover approximately 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, per the WHO.

The recommendation encourages governments and firms to increase access, via measures like patent sharing.

A patent on a key compound – the main component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.

The Way Obesity Jabs Function

GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and increase satiety so users reduce food intake.

Individuals usually see weight reduction within a few weeks of beginning the weekly injections.

Studies points to people may see weight return within a year of halting the treatment, when their typical appetite come back.

To be above a healthy weight elevates your chance for developing health problems, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.

Obesity affects people in countries worldwide and was responsible for millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.