The Global Health Body Sounds Warning Over Acute Scarcity of Obesity Injections
Under 10% of patients who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, caution the World Health Organization as it publishes its inaugural advice on the drugs.
Considering more than one billion individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on estimates, over two billion could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidance acknowledges that obesity is a long-term condition that can be treated with thorough and continuous support," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are key hurdles to widespread access to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing considerable weight, says the agency.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Even under the current best projected scenario, the manufacturing of these medications might only reach about 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, per the health organization.
The advice encourages governments and firms to expand availability, by approaches like voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the primary component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in a number of countries in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Work
The injections mimick a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so people consume fewer calories.
Individuals commonly see weight reduction in the initial weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Research suggests patients may regain a significant portion within a year of stopping the medication, as their usual appetite resume.
To be carrying excess weight increases your chance for experiencing health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Obesity affects people in every country and was responsible for 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
