World Health Organization Raises Concern Over Acute Lack of Obesity Medications

Under 10% of patients who could benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy can access them, warns the global health agency as it publishes its first recommendations on the medications.

With over a billion individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is urging increased and just access to these injectable treatments.

Per estimates, over two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.

"The new guidance affirms that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be treated with thorough and ongoing care," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are key barriers to broad access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing substantial body mass, says the agency.

Skinny Jab Supply Crisis

Despite the present best projected case, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies might only reach approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.

The advice calls on countries and companies to increase access, via measures like patent sharing.

The intellectual property rights on a key compound – the main component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.

How Obesity Drugs Work

The injections mimick a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and boost feelings of fullness so people eat less.

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

Research points to people may regain a significant portion after a year of stopping the drug, when their normal appetite come back.

To be above a healthy weight increases your risk for contracting medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain malignancies.

Obesity impacts individuals in countries worldwide and was responsible for 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.