WHO Sounds Warning Over Severe Lack of Obesity Jabs

Fewer than one in 10 people that would benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy have access to them, states the WHO as it issues its first guidance on the medications.

Given more than one billion people worldwide now living with obesity, it is calling for broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.

Per forecasts, over two billion will be obese by 2030 without intervention.

"The latest guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be treated with thorough and ongoing treatment," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are major barriers to widespread availability to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing substantial weight, explains the organization.

GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis

Even under the present most favorable outlook, the production of such drugs would only suffice for about 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, per the WHO.

The advice encourages nations and manufacturers to widen availability, via measures such as licensing agreements.

The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the core component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.

The Way Obesity Injections Operate

The injections imitate a natural hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and boost feelings of fullness so users reduce food intake.

Individuals commonly begin shedding pounds after several weeks of starting on the weekly injections.

Research indicates people may see weight return after a year of discontinuing the treatment, as their usual appetite resume.

Being overweight or obese raises your risk for experiencing health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some malignancies.

Excess weight affects people in countries worldwide and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.