WHO Raises Warning Over Severe Shortage of Obesity Jabs

Under 10% of individuals who could benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy can access them, caution the WHO as it issues its first recommendations on the drugs.

Given over a billion individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer availability to this class of drugs.

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

"The new guidelines affirms that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be treated with thorough and ongoing treatment," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are major barriers to broad access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing substantial body mass, explains the agency.

Skinny Jab Shortage

Even in the current best projected case, the supply of such drugs could only cover approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, according to the WHO.

The recommendation calls on governments and firms to increase access, by measures like licensing agreements.

Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is set to lapse in several countries in 2026.

How Obesity Injections Operate

The injections imitate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness so individuals consume fewer calories.

Patients typically start to lose weight after several weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.

Evidence points to people may see weight return a year later of halting the drug, when their normal appetite resume.

Being overweight or obese raises your risk for experiencing diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and specific cancers.

Excess weight affects individuals in countries worldwide and was linked to 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.