World Health Organization Issues Warning Over Acute Scarcity of Obesity Injections

Fewer than a tenth of people eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy are able to get them, warns the WHO as it publishes its initial recommendations on the drugs.

With more than one billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer availability to this class of drugs.

Based on projections, over two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.

"Our new guidelines recognises that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be addressed with holistic and lifelong treatment," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are key obstacles to universal availability to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing considerable weight, says the organization.

Weight-Loss Drug Shortage

Despite the present best projected case, the production of such drugs would only suffice for around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, per the WHO.

The recommendation calls on countries and companies to expand availability, by strategies like voluntary licensing.

Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the primary component of a leading brand – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.

The Way Obesity Jabs Operate

The injections replicate a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and boost the sense of being full so people reduce food intake.

People usually begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of beginning the regular doses.

Studies indicates people may see weight return a year later of discontinuing the drug, as their normal appetite resume.

To be above a healthy weight raises your risk for experiencing medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain malignancies.

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