World Health Organization Raises Alert Over Severe Shortage of Obesity Injections

Fewer than one in 10 people who could benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy have access to them, states the global health agency as it publishes its initial advice on the medications.

Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide now obese, it is advocating for increased and just access to these injectable treatments.

According to projections, more than two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.

"The new guidelines affirms that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be treated with thorough and continuous treatment," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are significant barriers to widespread access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing considerable body mass, says the organization.

GLP-1 Therapy Shortage

Even under the current most optimistic scenario, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies might only reach around 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, per the health organization.

The recommendation calls on nations and manufacturers to increase availability, via strategies like licensing agreements.

A patent on the active ingredient – the main component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.

How Obesity Jabs Work

These medications imitate a natural hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and boost feelings of fullness so users reduce food intake.

Patients commonly start to lose weight in the initial weeks of beginning the regular doses.

Studies points to users may put most of the weight back on within a year of halting the drug, when their typical appetite return.

To be carrying excess weight increases your likelihood for experiencing medical conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific cancers.

Excess weight concerns people in countries worldwide and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.