WHO Issues Warning Over Critical Lack of Obesity Injections

Under one in 10 individuals that would benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy can access them, warns the global health agency as it publishes its inaugural guidance on the drugs.

With over a billion individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is urging broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.

Based on forecasts, over two billion could be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.

"Our new guidelines affirms that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with comprehensive and ongoing support," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are significant barriers to widespread availability to the injections that can help people shift substantial weight, notes the agency.

GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity

Even under the present most optimistic case, the production of these medications would only suffice for about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, per the health organization.

The recommendation calls on governments and firms to widen access, via measures like voluntary licensing.

A patent on the active ingredient – the core component of the drug Wegovy – is set to lapse in several nations in 2026.

How Obesity Injections Work

The injections mimick a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and increase feelings of fullness so people reduce food intake.

Patients typically begin shedding pounds after several weeks of beginning the weekly injections.

Evidence points to users may put most of the weight back on within a year of stopping the treatment, because their typical appetite return.

To be overweight or obese raises your chance for contracting medical conditions, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and some cancers.

Excess weight impacts people in every country and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.