WHO Issues Concern Over Critical Shortage of Obesity Medications

Less than one in 10 people that would benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy can access them, warns the global health agency as it issues its first advice on the medications.

Considering over a billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is urging increased and just access to these injectable treatments.

According to projections, over two billion will be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.

"Our latest guidelines recognises that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be treated with holistic and lifelong treatment," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are significant obstacles to broad availability to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing substantial weight, says the body.

Skinny Jab Scarcity

Despite the current most optimistic outlook, the production of these medications could only cover about 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, as stated by the WHO.

The advice encourages nations and manufacturers to widen access, by strategies including voluntary licensing.

Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the core component of a leading brand – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.

The Way Obesity Injections Function

These medications imitate a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and increase feelings of fullness so individuals eat less.

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

Research suggests patients may see weight return a year later of discontinuing the treatment, when their normal food cravings come back.

Being carrying excess weight elevates your risk for experiencing health problems, like diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and some cancers.

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