The Global Health Body Raises Warning Over Acute Lack of Obesity Injections

Under 10% of individuals eligible to benefit from obesity jabs like Wegovy can access them, states the World Health Organization as it publishes its initial recommendations on the drugs.

Considering more than one billion individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging increased and just availability to this class of drugs.

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

"Our new guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong treatment," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Significant expense, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are major obstacles to widespread access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing substantial weight, explains the agency.

Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis

Even under the present best projected scenario, the production of these medications could only cover around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, according to the WHO.

The recommendation encourages countries and companies to expand access, via strategies including voluntary licensing.

Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the main component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.

How Obesity Jabs Work

The injections mimick a natural hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and enhance satiety so users consume fewer calories.

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

Research suggests people may regain a significant portion within a year of discontinuing the medication, when their usual hunger resume.

To be carrying excess weight raises your likelihood for contracting health problems, like diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and specific cancers.

Obesity affects individuals in all nations and was associated with 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.