The Global Health Body Raises Concern Over Critical Lack of Obesity Injections

Fewer than a tenth of individuals eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy can access them, warns the global health agency as it releases its first guidance on the drugs.

Considering more than one billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is urging broader and more equitable access to these injectable treatments.

Per estimates, over two billion could be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.

"The latest guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong treatment," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Substantial prices, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are significant obstacles to universal access to the treatments that can help people shift significant weight, explains the body.

Skinny Jab Shortage

Despite the current most favorable outlook, the manufacturing of such drugs would only suffice for around 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, according to the WHO.

The recommendation urges countries and companies to expand access, through approaches such as patent sharing.

The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the primary ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in multiple countries in 2026.

How Obesity Injections Work

These medications mimick a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so people consume fewer calories.

People commonly see weight reduction after several weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.

Research indicates people may put most of the weight back on a year later of stopping the drug, because their typical hunger resume.

Being overweight or obese increases your chance for experiencing diseases, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific malignancies.

Obesity affects individuals in every country and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.