The Global Health Body Sounds Alert Over Critical Lack of Obesity Injections

Less than a tenth of individuals eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy can access them, warns the WHO as it releases its first advice on the drugs.

With more than one billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is urging increased and just access to this class of drugs.

Based on forecasts, over two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.

"Our new guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a long-term condition that can be managed with thorough and continuous support," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are major barriers to widespread access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, says the organization.

GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity

Even in the present best projected outlook, the manufacturing of these medications would only suffice for around 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, according to the health organization.

The recommendation encourages countries and companies to expand access, through measures like licensing agreements.

A patent on a key compound – the main ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is set to lapse in several countries in 2026.

How Obesity Jabs Function

GLP-1 drugs imitate a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and boost satiety so people consume fewer calories.

People usually start to lose weight within a few weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.

Studies suggests people may regain a significant portion after a year of stopping the drug, because their typical appetite return.

To be carrying excess weight raises your risk for experiencing health problems, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.

Excess weight concerns people in every country and was linked to millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.