World Health Organization Sounds Concern Over Critical Shortage of Weight-Loss Medications
Under 10% of people who could benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy can access them, caution the global health agency as it issues its inaugural recommendations on the drugs.
Considering over a billion individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is urging increased and just availability to GLP-1 medication.
According to projections, more than two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines affirms that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with comprehensive and lifelong support," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are key hurdles to widespread availability to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing substantial body mass, notes the body.
Skinny Jab Scarcity
Even under the current best projected case, the supply of such drugs would only suffice for about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, per the health organization.
The guideline urges nations and manufacturers to increase availability, by approaches including voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the core component of the drug Wegovy – is set to lapse in several countries in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Function
These medications imitate a natural hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and boost feelings of fullness so people eat less.
Patients commonly begin shedding pounds after several weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Research points to users may put most of the weight back on within a year of halting the medication, when their normal hunger resume.
To be overweight or obese raises your chance for contracting diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some malignancies.
Excess weight affects individuals in countries worldwide and was associated with over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
