World Health Organization Issues Warning Over Critical Lack of Weight-Loss Injections
Under 10% of patients who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy have access to them, caution the global health agency as it releases its initial guidance on the medications.
With more than one billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is calling for more widespread and fairer availability to GLP-1 medication.
Per estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be treated with holistic and ongoing support," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are key hurdles to broad access to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing considerable weight, says the agency.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Despite the present best projected scenario, the supply of such drugs could only cover around 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, according to the health organization.
The advice encourages countries and companies to widen access, via strategies like voluntary licensing.
The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the main component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Injections Work
The injections imitate a natural hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and enhance feelings of fullness so people eat less.
Individuals usually see weight reduction within a few weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Research points to users may regain a significant portion within a year of discontinuing the drug, when their usual food cravings come back.
To be overweight or obese elevates your likelihood for experiencing diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Obesity affects people in countries worldwide and was responsible for millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
