The Global Health Body Sounds Alert Over Acute Shortage of Obesity Injections
Less than 10% of people who could benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy can access them, caution the global health agency as it releases its first guidance on the drugs.
With more than one billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is advocating for broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.
According to estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with thorough and continuous treatment," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are key hurdles to widespread access to the injections that can help people shift substantial weight, explains the organization.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Even in the present most optimistic case, the manufacturing of such drugs would only suffice for about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, according to the health organization.
The recommendation urges countries and companies to widen availability, by approaches including licensing agreements.
A patent on the active ingredient – the core component of a leading brand – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Jabs Work
These medications imitate a biological compound to slow digestion, curb appetite and increase the sense of being full so individuals eat less.
Individuals typically begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.
Studies points to patients may regain a significant portion a year later of stopping the medication, when their normal hunger return.
To be overweight or obese raises your chance for experiencing diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some malignancies.
Obesity affects people in countries worldwide and was responsible for 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
