WHO Issues Concern Over Severe Scarcity of Weight-Loss Jabs

Less than one in 10 patients eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy can access them, states the WHO as it issues its initial guidance on the therapies.

Given more than one billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is advocating for increased and just availability to this class of drugs.

Per projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.

"The new guidelines recognises that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be managed with comprehensive and continuous care," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are key hurdles to broad access to the treatments that can help people shift substantial weight, says the organization.

Weight-Loss Drug Shortage

Even under the present most optimistic scenario, the manufacturing of such drugs would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, per the health organization.

The advice urges nations and manufacturers to widen access, through measures such as licensing agreements.

A patent on semaglutide – the main ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.

The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Work

GLP-1 drugs replicate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and enhance satiety so users reduce food intake.

People commonly start to lose weight after several weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.

Studies indicates patients may see weight return within a year of stopping the medication, as their usual food cravings come back.

To be carrying excess weight elevates your risk for contracting diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific cancers.

Obesity affects individuals in all nations and was responsible for over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.