The Global Health Body Raises Concern Over Critical Shortage of Obesity Jabs
Less than one in 10 people that would benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy can access them, caution the WHO as it releases its inaugural recommendations on the drugs.
Given over a billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is calling for increased and just availability to these injectable treatments.
Based on forecasts, over two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidance recognises that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be addressed with holistic and ongoing treatment," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are major hurdles to broad availability to the injections that can assist patients in reducing considerable weight, says the agency.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even in the present most optimistic outlook, the production of such drugs might only reach around 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, per the WHO.
The advice encourages countries and companies to expand availability, by measures including voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the core component of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Function
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so people reduce food intake.
Individuals commonly see weight reduction within a few weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Studies points to users may regain a significant portion after a year of stopping the drug, when their usual hunger return.
Being overweight or obese increases your risk for experiencing medical conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific cancers.
Obesity concerns people in countries worldwide and was associated with over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
