World Health Organization Raises Concern Over Critical Shortage of Obesity Medications

Fewer than 10% of people that would benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy are able to get them, caution the global health agency as it issues its inaugural recommendations on the drugs.

Given more than one billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is advocating for increased and just availability to these injectable treatments.

Based on estimates, over two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.

"The new guidelines affirms that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be managed with comprehensive and continuous treatment," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Significant expense, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are key hurdles to broad availability to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, notes the organization.

Skinny Jab Shortage

Even in the present most favorable case, the production of these medications might only reach around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the health organization.

The guideline calls on nations and manufacturers to increase access, via measures like licensing agreements.

A patent on semaglutide – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.

How Weight-Loss Jabs Function

The injections replicate a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and boost feelings of fullness so people consume fewer calories.

Patients commonly begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of beginning the regular doses.

Evidence indicates users may regain a significant portion within a year of discontinuing the treatment, as their typical appetite come back.

To be carrying excess weight increases your risk for developing diseases, like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific malignancies.

Excess weight impacts individuals in countries worldwide and was linked to 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.