World Health Organization Raises Alert Over Critical Lack of Weight-Loss Medications
Fewer than a tenth of patients eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, warns the global health agency as it issues its first recommendations on the drugs.
Given more than one billion individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging broader and more equitable access to this class of drugs.
According to projections, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidelines recognises that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be treated with holistic and continuous support," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are major obstacles to widespread availability to the jabs that can help people shift considerable body mass, says the body.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even in the current best projected case, the production of these medications could only cover approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, per the WHO.
The advice urges governments and firms to widen availability, through measures including patent sharing.
A patent on a key compound – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in multiple countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Injections Work
GLP-1 drugs replicate a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and increase satiety so users reduce food intake.
Individuals usually see weight reduction within a few weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Evidence suggests people may see weight return a year later of discontinuing the medication, as their normal hunger come back.
Being carrying excess weight elevates your likelihood for developing medical conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.
Obesity impacts people in countries worldwide and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
