WHO Raises Alert Over Acute Shortage of Obesity Medications

Less than 10% of people that would benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy are able to get them, caution the global health agency as it publishes its inaugural recommendations on the medications.

Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently obese, it is calling for increased and just availability to this class of drugs.

Per forecasts, over two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.

"Our new guidelines affirms that obesity is a chronic disease that can be addressed with holistic and ongoing treatment," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are key hurdles to widespread availability to the injections that can help people shift significant body mass, says the agency.

Skinny Jab Shortage

Despite the current most optimistic case, the supply of such drugs would only suffice for around 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, as stated by the WHO.

The guideline urges governments and firms to expand access, through approaches such as voluntary licensing.

A patent on the active ingredient – the primary component of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in multiple countries in 2026.

How Obesity Jabs Operate

The injections replicate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and boost the sense of being full so individuals eat less.

People usually begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.

Studies indicates patients may regain a significant portion after a year of stopping the treatment, as their usual appetite resume.

Being carrying excess weight increases your chance for contracting health problems, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific cancers.

Obesity affects people in every country and was linked to over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.