The Global Health Body Issues Alert Over Severe Scarcity of Weight-Loss Jabs

Fewer than 10% of patients eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, caution the global health agency as it publishes its first guidance on the drugs.

With in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for increased and just availability to these injectable treatments.

Per projections, over two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.

"Our latest guidance acknowledges that obesity is a chronic disease that can be addressed with comprehensive and continuous support," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are major barriers to universal access to the injections that can help people shift substantial weight, says the organization.

Skinny Jab Scarcity

Even under the current most favorable scenario, the manufacturing of these medications could only cover around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the WHO.

The recommendation urges governments and firms to widen access, via measures like patent sharing.

The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the core component of a leading brand – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.

How Obesity Drugs Work

GLP-1 drugs replicate a biological compound to slow digestion, curb appetite and increase satiety so users reduce food intake.

People typically start to lose weight after several weeks of beginning the regular doses.

Studies suggests patients may regain a significant portion a year later of discontinuing the treatment, when their usual hunger resume.

To be carrying excess weight elevates your risk for experiencing health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain malignancies.

Obesity concerns individuals in countries worldwide and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.