WHO Sounds Alert Over Severe Lack of Obesity Injections

Less than one in 10 patients that would benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy can access them, states the WHO as it releases its first advice on the drugs.

With over a billion people worldwide now living with obesity, it is calling for increased and just access to these injectable treatments.

According to forecasts, over two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.

"Our latest guidelines recognises that obesity is a long-term condition that can be managed with holistic and lifelong support," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Significant expense, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are key barriers to widespread availability to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing substantial body mass, notes the organization.

Skinny Jab Scarcity

Even in the current most favorable outlook, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, per the WHO.

The guideline urges nations and manufacturers to increase access, via measures including voluntary licensing.

The intellectual property rights on a key compound – the core ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.

How Obesity Injections Function

The injections mimick a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and increase satiety so users reduce food intake.

People typically begin shedding pounds after several weeks of starting on the regular doses.

Studies indicates people may see weight return a year later of stopping the medication, as their typical appetite resume.

To be carrying excess weight elevates your risk for experiencing health problems, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some malignancies.

Obesity concerns people in all nations and was linked to 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.