WHO Sounds Concern Over Critical Lack of Weight-Loss Jabs

Fewer than one in 10 people that would benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy are able to get them, warns the WHO as it publishes its first guidance on the drugs.

Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide now living with obesity, it is calling for increased and just access to these injectable treatments.

According to estimates, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.

"Our latest guidance affirms that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with holistic and ongoing support," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Significant expense, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are significant hurdles to broad availability to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing substantial weight, says the organization.

Skinny Jab Shortage

Even in the present best projected scenario, the supply of these medications might only reach about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the WHO.

The advice calls on governments and firms to increase access, through measures like voluntary licensing.

A patent on semaglutide – the main component of the drug Wegovy – is set to lapse in several nations in 2026.

How Weight-Loss Drugs Work

The injections replicate a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so people consume fewer calories.

People typically begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of starting on the weekly injections.

Studies points to patients may regain a significant portion after a year of halting the medication, as their typical hunger resume.

Being overweight or obese elevates your likelihood for contracting diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some malignancies.

Excess weight impacts people in every country and was linked to 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.