WHO Sounds Concern Over Acute Shortage of Obesity Medications

Under a tenth of individuals that would benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy are able to get them, states the global health agency as it issues its initial recommendations on the therapies.

Given more than one billion people worldwide now obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.

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

"Our latest guidelines affirms that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive and continuous treatment," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are major barriers to universal availability to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing significant weight, explains the organization.

Skinny Jab Shortage

Despite the current most optimistic outlook, the production of these medications might only reach approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, per the health organization.

The recommendation calls on governments and firms to widen availability, via strategies like licensing agreements.

A patent on semaglutide – the primary component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.

The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Operate

These medications replicate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and boost the sense of being full so people reduce food intake.

Individuals typically see weight reduction within a few weeks of commencing the weekly injections.

Research suggests people may put most of the weight back on a year later of halting the medication, as their typical appetite return.

Being carrying excess weight elevates your chance for experiencing diseases, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and specific cancers.

Excess weight affects people in all nations and was associated with over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.