World Health Organization Issues Warning Over Critical Scarcity of Obesity Jabs

Under one in 10 people that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy are able to get them, caution the global health agency as it releases its first advice on the drugs.

With more than one billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable access to this class of drugs.

Based on estimates, more than two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.

"Our latest guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong care," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are major hurdles to widespread access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing substantial body mass, explains the agency.

Skinny Jab Supply Crisis

Despite the present best projected case, the supply of such drugs could only cover approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, as stated by the WHO.

The advice calls on countries and companies to increase availability, by measures such as licensing agreements.

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

The Way Obesity Jabs Function

GLP-1 drugs mimick a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and increase feelings of fullness so users consume fewer calories.

People usually see weight reduction in the initial weeks of commencing the regular doses.

Research indicates people may put most of the weight back on a year later of stopping the medication, when their usual appetite come back.

To be above a healthy weight increases your likelihood for experiencing diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain malignancies.

Obesity impacts people in countries worldwide and was responsible for 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.