World Health Organization Issues Warning Over Critical Shortage of Weight-Loss Injections

Fewer than 10% of people who could benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy are able to get them, warns the global health agency as it publishes its first advice on the medications.

With in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide now obese, it is calling for increased and just access to these injectable treatments.

Based on forecasts, more than two billion will be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.

"The new guidelines recognises that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be addressed with comprehensive and ongoing treatment," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Significant expense, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are significant barriers to universal availability to the treatments that can help people shift substantial body mass, says the agency.

Skinny Jab Scarcity

Even under the current most optimistic outlook, the supply of such drugs might only reach about 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, according to the WHO.

The advice encourages nations and manufacturers to widen access, via strategies like patent sharing.

A patent on the active ingredient – the main component of a leading brand – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.

The Way Obesity Injections Work

The injections mimick a body's own hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and enhance satiety so users reduce food intake.

Individuals usually see weight reduction after several weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.

Studies indicates users may see weight return within a year of discontinuing the drug, when their usual appetite come back.

To be carrying excess weight increases your likelihood for contracting diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain malignancies.

Excess weight affects individuals in all nations and was responsible for 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.