The Global Health Body Sounds Alert Over Critical Lack of Obesity Injections

Fewer than one in 10 individuals eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy can access them, warns the global health agency as it publishes its inaugural recommendations on the therapies.

Considering more than one billion people worldwide now obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer access to this class of drugs.

Per estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.

"The latest guidance recognises that obesity is a chronic disease that can be addressed with holistic and lifelong care," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are key barriers to widespread availability to the injections that can help people shift substantial weight, says the body.

Skinny Jab Shortage

Despite the current most optimistic scenario, the production of these medications could only cover approximately 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, per the WHO.

The guideline encourages nations and manufacturers to expand access, through measures like licensing agreements.

A patent on the active ingredient – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.

How Obesity Drugs Operate

The injections replicate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and increase feelings of fullness so individuals eat less.

People commonly start to lose weight within a few weeks of starting on the regular doses.

Research suggests people may regain a significant portion a year later of stopping the drug, when their normal hunger return.

To be carrying excess weight elevates your likelihood for developing diseases, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain malignancies.

Excess weight impacts individuals in countries worldwide and was associated with millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.