World Health Organization Raises Alert Over Acute Scarcity of Obesity Injections

Less than a tenth of people eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy can access them, states the World Health Organization as it publishes its inaugural advice on the medications.

With over a billion individuals worldwide now living with obesity, it is calling for increased and just access to this class of drugs.

Per estimates, more than two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.

"The new guidance recognises that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be managed with thorough and ongoing care," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are major obstacles to universal access to the injections that can help people shift substantial body mass, notes the agency.

Skinny Jab Supply Crisis

Despite the present best projected outlook, the manufacturing of these medications could only cover around 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, as stated by the WHO.

The advice calls on countries and companies to expand availability, through approaches including licensing agreements.

Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in multiple nations in 2026.

How Weight-Loss Jabs Work

GLP-1 drugs replicate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and enhance satiety so people eat less.

Individuals usually see weight reduction within a few weeks of commencing the weekly injections.

Studies suggests people may see weight return after a year of stopping the treatment, when their usual hunger come back.

Being carrying excess weight elevates your chance for experiencing medical conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.

Excess weight impacts individuals in countries worldwide and was responsible for over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.