The Global Health Body Issues Warning Over Critical Shortage of Obesity Injections

Under 10% of people eligible to benefit from obesity jabs like Wegovy can access them, caution the World Health Organization as it publishes its initial advice on the therapies.

Given more than one billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is advocating for increased and just access to this class of drugs.

Based on estimates, over two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.

"The latest guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive and ongoing support," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are significant barriers to broad availability to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing substantial body mass, notes the body.

Skinny Jab Scarcity

Even under the current best projected scenario, the supply of such drugs might only reach approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, per the WHO.

The advice calls on countries and companies to expand availability, through strategies like licensing agreements.

Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the primary component of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in a number of countries in 2026.

The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Operate

GLP-1 drugs mimick a natural hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and enhance feelings of fullness so individuals eat less.

People commonly start to lose weight within a few weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.

Research suggests patients may see weight return within a year of halting the treatment, as their normal food cravings return.

To be overweight or obese elevates your chance for experiencing medical conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some malignancies.

Excess weight affects individuals in every country and was linked to millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.