🔗 Share this article WHO Raises Warning Over Critical Lack of Obesity Medications Fewer than one in 10 patients that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy can access them, warns the global health agency as it releases its initial guidance on the medications. Considering more than one billion people worldwide currently obese, it is calling for more widespread and fairer access to this class of drugs. Per estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be obese by 2030 without intervention. "The new guidance affirms that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be treated with thorough and continuous treatment," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are major barriers to broad access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing substantial body mass, explains the body. Skinny Jab Supply Crisis Even in the current most optimistic scenario, the supply of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the WHO. The guideline calls on nations and manufacturers to expand access, via approaches including patent sharing. Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the main component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026. The Way Weight-Loss Injections Work These medications replicate a biological compound to slow digestion, reduce hunger and boost satiety so users consume fewer calories. Patients typically see weight reduction within a few weeks of commencing the weekly injections. Research points to patients may put most of the weight back on a year later of discontinuing the treatment, when their typical hunger resume. To be carrying excess weight raises your chance for experiencing medical conditions, like diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and specific cancers. Obesity impacts people in every country and was responsible for over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
Fewer than one in 10 patients that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy can access them, warns the global health agency as it releases its initial guidance on the medications. Considering more than one billion people worldwide currently obese, it is calling for more widespread and fairer access to this class of drugs. Per estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be obese by 2030 without intervention. "The new guidance affirms that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be treated with thorough and continuous treatment," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are major barriers to broad access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing substantial body mass, explains the body. Skinny Jab Supply Crisis Even in the current most optimistic scenario, the supply of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the WHO. The guideline calls on nations and manufacturers to expand access, via approaches including patent sharing. Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the main component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026. The Way Weight-Loss Injections Work These medications replicate a biological compound to slow digestion, reduce hunger and boost satiety so users consume fewer calories. Patients typically see weight reduction within a few weeks of commencing the weekly injections. Research points to patients may put most of the weight back on a year later of discontinuing the treatment, when their typical hunger resume. To be carrying excess weight raises your chance for experiencing medical conditions, like diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and specific cancers. Obesity impacts people in every country and was responsible for over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.