World Health Organization Issues Warning Over Severe Shortage of Weight-Loss Medications
Fewer than 10% of people who could benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy are able to get them, states the WHO as it publishes its initial recommendations on the medications.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide now living with obesity, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The latest guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with thorough and lifelong care," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are key obstacles to universal access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing substantial body mass, explains the agency.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Even under the current most favorable case, the production of such drugs might only reach approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, according to the WHO.
The guideline urges countries and companies to widen availability, through measures such as voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in several nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Function
The injections imitate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and enhance satiety so users consume fewer calories.
Individuals usually begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Evidence suggests users may put most of the weight back on within a year of discontinuing the treatment, when their usual food cravings come back.
To be carrying excess weight increases your likelihood for contracting health problems, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific malignancies.
Excess weight concerns individuals in every country and was associated with over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
