The Global Health Body Raises Concern Over Critical Lack of Obesity Injections
Fewer than 10% of people that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy are able to get them, caution the global health agency as it publishes its initial advice on the therapies.
Considering over a billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable availability to GLP-1 medication.
According to projections, more than two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The new guidelines affirms that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be addressed with holistic and ongoing care," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are significant barriers to universal access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing substantial weight, says the agency.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Despite the current most favorable case, the production of GLP-1 therapies might only reach approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, per the health organization.
The guideline calls on nations and manufacturers to expand access, by measures including licensing agreements.
A patent on a key compound – the main ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is set to lapse in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Function
The injections replicate a biological compound to slow digestion, curb appetite and boost feelings of fullness so users consume fewer calories.
Individuals usually start to lose weight within a few weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Research points to patients may regain a significant portion within a year of halting the treatment, when their normal hunger resume.
Being overweight or obese increases your risk for experiencing diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and specific cancers.
Obesity concerns individuals in all nations and was responsible for 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.