WHO Sounds Alert Over Severe Shortage of Obesity Jabs

Less than 10% of individuals who could benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy are able to get them, states the WHO as it issues its inaugural guidance on the medications.

With in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide now obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer access to this class of drugs.

According to estimates, over two billion will be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.

"The latest guidelines recognises that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be managed with holistic and lifelong treatment," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are significant obstacles to universal availability to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing considerable weight, says the organization.

Skinny Jab Supply Crisis

Even under the current most favorable scenario, the supply of such drugs could only cover around 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, per the WHO.

The guideline urges nations and manufacturers to widen availability, by approaches like voluntary licensing.

The intellectual property rights on a key compound – the primary component of a leading brand – is set to lapse in several countries in 2026.

How Obesity Drugs Work

The injections replicate a natural hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so individuals consume fewer calories.

Individuals typically begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of beginning the weekly injections.

Studies suggests patients may see weight return a year later of stopping the drug, as their usual hunger return.

Being carrying excess weight raises your risk for developing diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain malignancies.

Excess weight impacts people in countries worldwide and was linked to over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.