World Health Organization Sounds Alert Over Acute Shortage of Weight-Loss Jabs

Fewer than 10% of people who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy are able to get them, warns the World Health Organization as it issues its inaugural recommendations on the drugs.

Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging broader and more equitable availability to GLP-1 medication.

According to forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.

"The new guidance recognises that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be treated with holistic and continuous support," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Significant expense, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are major hurdles to widespread access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing substantial weight, explains the organization.

GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis

Despite the current best projected outlook, the manufacturing of such drugs might only reach about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.

The recommendation calls on governments and firms to widen access, through approaches like patent sharing.

Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the primary component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.

How Obesity Injections Operate

The injections replicate a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and enhance feelings of fullness so users eat less.

People commonly start to lose weight within a few weeks of starting on the weekly injections.

Research suggests people may see weight return within a year of stopping the treatment, as their usual hunger return.

To be overweight or obese raises your chance for experiencing medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.

Obesity affects people in countries worldwide and was linked to over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.