WHO Raises Warning Over Severe Scarcity of Obesity Injections

Under one in 10 patients eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy have access to them, caution the WHO as it releases its first advice on the medications.

Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer availability to these injectable treatments.

Based on estimates, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.

"Our latest guidance recognises that obesity is a chronic disease that can be managed with thorough and lifelong treatment," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Significant expense, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are significant obstacles to widespread access to the jabs that can help people shift considerable body mass, says the body.

Skinny Jab Shortage

Even under the current best projected outlook, the supply of GLP-1 therapies could only cover around 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, according to the WHO.

The recommendation calls on nations and manufacturers to increase access, through measures like licensing agreements.

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

How Obesity Injections Function

These medications imitate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and increase satiety so individuals consume fewer calories.

People usually see weight reduction within a few weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.

Evidence points to patients may put most of the weight back on within a year of halting the drug, as their typical food cravings come back.

To be above a healthy weight raises your risk for contracting medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.

Obesity concerns individuals in all nations and was associated with 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.