World Health Organization Raises Concern Over Acute Shortage of Weight-Loss Jabs

Less than a tenth of patients that would benefit from obesity jabs like Wegovy are able to get them, states the World Health Organization as it releases its inaugural advice on the medications.

Considering more than one billion individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for increased and just availability to these injectable treatments.

Per projections, over two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.

"Our new guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be treated with holistic and ongoing care," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are significant obstacles to universal access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing significant body mass, notes the body.

Skinny Jab Shortage

Even under the current best projected outlook, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies might only reach around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, per the WHO.

The recommendation calls on nations and manufacturers to widen availability, by strategies such as licensing agreements.

A patent on semaglutide – the core ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.

The Way Obesity Jabs Work

GLP-1 drugs replicate a natural hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness so users consume fewer calories.

Patients typically see weight reduction after several weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.

Research suggests people may regain a significant portion a year later of discontinuing the medication, when their typical food cravings come back.

To be carrying excess weight increases your risk for developing health problems, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific malignancies.

Excess weight affects individuals in every country and was linked to over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.