World Health Organization Issues Concern Over Critical Scarcity of Weight-Loss Jabs

Fewer than 10% of people that would benefit from obesity jabs like Wegovy can access them, caution the WHO as it publishes its inaugural advice on the therapies.

With more than one billion individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.

Based on estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.

"Our new guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be managed with thorough and ongoing care," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are key hurdles to universal access to the jabs that can help people shift substantial weight, notes the body.

Skinny Jab Shortage

Even under the current most optimistic outlook, the production of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for about 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the health organization.

The guideline calls on countries and companies to widen availability, through strategies including voluntary licensing.

Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the main ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in a number of countries in 2026.

How Weight-Loss Drugs Work

GLP-1 drugs replicate a biological compound to slow digestion, curb appetite and boost satiety so users reduce food intake.

Individuals commonly start to lose weight within a few weeks of commencing the regular doses.

Evidence indicates users may see weight return after a year of halting the treatment, because their normal food cravings resume.

To be overweight or obese elevates your chance for developing medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and specific malignancies.

Excess weight affects people in every country and was associated with millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.