WHO Sounds Concern Over Severe Scarcity of Weight-Loss Injections
Less than 10% of people who could benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy have access to them, warns the global health agency as it releases its initial advice on the drugs.
With more than one billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is urging broader and more equitable access to these injectable treatments.
Based on estimates, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with comprehensive and continuous support," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are major barriers to widespread access to the injections that can help people shift significant weight, says the body.
Skinny Jab Scarcity
Despite the present most favorable case, the production of these medications could only cover approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the health organization.
The recommendation encourages nations and manufacturers to increase availability, through approaches including patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the primary component of the drug Wegovy – is set to lapse in several countries in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Function
GLP-1 drugs imitate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and boost feelings of fullness so users consume fewer calories.
Individuals usually begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Evidence indicates users may see weight return after a year of halting the drug, as their typical food cravings return.
To be above a healthy weight increases your risk for experiencing diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some malignancies.
Excess weight affects people in all nations and was linked to millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
