The Global Health Body Issues Alert Over Acute Lack of Obesity Injections
Fewer than 10% of patients that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy have access to them, caution the global health agency as it publishes its first guidance on the therapies.
Considering more than one billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.
Based on estimates, more than two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The new guidance recognises that obesity is a long-term condition that can be treated with thorough and ongoing support," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are significant barriers to widespread availability to the injections that can help people shift substantial weight, says the organization.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Even under the current most optimistic scenario, the production of GLP-1 therapies might only reach around 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, as stated by the WHO.
The recommendation encourages countries and companies to expand access, via measures like licensing agreements.
The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the primary ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Work
The injections mimick a natural hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and enhance satiety so individuals eat less.
People usually see weight reduction after several weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Studies indicates users may regain a significant portion a year later of halting the treatment, because their normal food cravings resume.
Being above a healthy weight increases your risk for experiencing medical conditions, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and specific malignancies.
Obesity affects individuals in countries worldwide and was responsible for millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
