The Global Health Body Raises Warning Over Critical Shortage of Obesity Injections
Under 10% of individuals that would benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy have access to them, caution the WHO as it publishes its first advice on the therapies.
Considering over a billion individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is advocating for broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.
According to projections, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The latest guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a long-term condition that can be managed with comprehensive and lifelong support," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are key barriers to widespread access to the injections that can help people shift considerable weight, says the organization.
Skinny Jab Scarcity
Even in the present most optimistic outlook, the supply of such drugs could only cover around 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, per the WHO.
The recommendation encourages nations and manufacturers to expand access, by measures including licensing agreements.
A patent on semaglutide – the core ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Function
These medications mimick a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and increase satiety so users reduce food intake.
Individuals usually start to lose weight within a few weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Research points to people may regain a significant portion within a year of discontinuing the treatment, when their usual hunger return.
To be overweight or obese increases your chance for contracting medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and specific cancers.
Excess weight impacts people in all nations and was linked to 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
