WHO Sounds Warning Over Critical Lack of Weight-Loss Jabs

Less than a tenth of patients who could benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy can access them, warns the global health agency as it publishes its initial guidance on the drugs.

With over a billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to GLP-1 medication.

Per estimates, more than two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.

"Our new guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a long-term condition that can be treated with holistic and continuous support," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are significant hurdles to broad access to the treatments that can help people shift substantial body mass, explains the agency.

GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis

Despite the present most favorable case, the production of such drugs could only cover about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, according to the WHO.

The advice calls on nations and manufacturers to increase access, by strategies such as patent sharing.

Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the primary component of a leading brand – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.

The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Operate

GLP-1 drugs mimick a body's own hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and boost feelings of fullness so people consume fewer calories.

People typically begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.

Evidence suggests users may see weight return within a year of discontinuing the treatment, because their usual appetite resume.

Being overweight or obese increases your likelihood for contracting diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain cancers.

Obesity concerns people in countries worldwide and was associated with millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.