World Health Organization Issues Warning Over Critical Shortage of Obesity Injections

Under one in 10 patients eligible to benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy have access to them, caution the global health agency as it publishes its first advice on the therapies.

Considering more than one billion people worldwide currently obese, it is advocating for increased and just access to these injectable treatments.

Based on estimates, more than two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.

"Our new guidelines affirms that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with comprehensive and lifelong treatment," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are key obstacles to widespread availability to the injections that can aid individuals in losing considerable weight, explains the agency.

Skinny Jab Supply Crisis

Even in the current most optimistic scenario, the supply of GLP-1 therapies might only reach around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, according to the health organization.

The advice calls on countries and companies to expand availability, by approaches including voluntary licensing.

The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the main component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.

The Way Weight-Loss Injections Operate

The injections imitate a natural hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and boost feelings of fullness so people consume fewer calories.

Patients usually see weight reduction after several weeks of commencing the weekly injections.

Evidence points to patients may regain a significant portion within a year of stopping the treatment, because their usual food cravings resume.

Being overweight or obese elevates your risk for developing health problems, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some malignancies.

Excess weight impacts individuals in every country and was responsible for 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.