The Global Health Body Raises Warning Over Critical Shortage of Obesity Jabs

Under one in 10 people that would benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy have access to them, warns the World Health Organization as it issues its first guidance on the medications.

With more than one billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging increased and just access to GLP-1 medication.

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

"The latest guidelines recognises that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be treated with comprehensive and continuous care," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are key hurdles to universal access to the injections that can help people shift significant body mass, explains the organization.

Skinny Jab Shortage

Despite the current most optimistic scenario, the production of these medications would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, as stated by the health organization.

The advice encourages countries and companies to widen access, through measures such as patent sharing.

Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the core ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is set to lapse in multiple countries in 2026.

The Way Obesity Drugs Operate

GLP-1 drugs mimick a natural hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and increase satiety so people reduce food intake.

Patients usually start to lose weight within a few weeks of beginning the weekly injections.

Studies indicates patients may see weight return within a year of stopping the drug, because their typical appetite come back.

Being carrying excess weight increases your risk for developing diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific malignancies.

Excess weight affects people in countries worldwide and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.