World Health Organization Issues Warning Over Severe Shortage of Obesity Injections

Under one in 10 people that would benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy are able to get them, warns the World Health Organization as it releases its initial advice on the drugs.

Considering over a billion individuals worldwide now obese, it is urging broader and more equitable availability to these injectable treatments.

Based on projections, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.

"The latest guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be treated with holistic and continuous treatment," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are key obstacles to universal availability to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing considerable weight, notes the body.

Skinny Jab Shortage

Despite the current best projected case, the production of such drugs would only suffice for around 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, according to the health organization.

The recommendation encourages nations and manufacturers to increase access, by measures like licensing agreements.

A patent on the active ingredient – the primary component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in a number of nations in 2026.

The Way Obesity Injections Operate

The injections mimick a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and boost satiety so individuals eat less.

Patients commonly begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of beginning the weekly injections.

Research suggests users may regain a significant portion within a year of stopping the treatment, as their typical appetite resume.

Being carrying excess weight increases your risk for contracting medical conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain malignancies.

Obesity impacts people in every country and was linked to over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.