WHO Issues Warning Over Severe Lack of Weight-Loss Medications

Fewer than 10% of people eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy are able to get them, caution the WHO as it issues its inaugural recommendations on the medications.

Considering over a billion individuals worldwide now living with obesity, it is urging more widespread and fairer availability to these injectable treatments.

Per estimates, more than two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.

"The latest guidelines recognises that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive and ongoing treatment," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are key barriers to widespread availability to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing significant body mass, notes the body.

Skinny Jab Supply Crisis

Even under the present best projected outlook, the supply of these medications could only cover about 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the WHO.

The advice calls on nations and manufacturers to increase access, through approaches including voluntary licensing.

A patent on the active ingredient – the core component of a leading brand – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.

The Way Obesity Jabs Function

The injections replicate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and increase satiety so users consume fewer calories.

People typically see weight reduction within a few weeks of commencing the regular doses.

Evidence indicates users may regain a significant portion within a year of stopping the treatment, as their normal food cravings come back.

Being carrying excess weight increases your chance for contracting medical conditions, like diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and some cancers.

Obesity concerns individuals in every country and was associated with over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.