WHO Issues Alert Over Critical Scarcity of Obesity Medications
Less than 10% of people eligible to benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy can access them, caution the WHO as it releases its initial guidance on the therapies.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable access to these injectable treatments.
Per forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The latest guidelines affirms that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with holistic and ongoing support," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are major hurdles to widespread availability to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing substantial body mass, says the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Even in the present most optimistic scenario, the supply of such drugs would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.
The guideline encourages nations and manufacturers to increase availability, through strategies such as licensing agreements.
A patent on a key compound – the core component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of nations in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Function
These medications replicate a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and increase feelings of fullness so individuals consume fewer calories.
People typically begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Studies suggests patients may see weight return within a year of stopping the treatment, as their usual appetite come back.
Being overweight or obese increases your likelihood for experiencing diseases, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.
Obesity affects individuals in every country and was associated with over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
