WHO Raises Concern Over Acute Shortage of Obesity Injections
Fewer than 10% of patients eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy are able to get them, states the WHO as it publishes its first recommendations on the medications.
With over a billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is calling for increased and just access to these injectable treatments.
According to forecasts, more than two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidance recognises that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be managed with comprehensive and continuous support," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are major hurdles to broad access to the treatments that can help people shift considerable weight, says the agency.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Even in the present most favorable scenario, the production of these medications could only cover approximately 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, according to the health organization.
The advice encourages countries and companies to expand availability, via strategies including voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the primary ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in multiple nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Function
These medications imitate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and boost satiety so individuals eat less.
Individuals typically begin shedding pounds after several weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Studies indicates people may see weight return after a year of stopping the drug, because their usual appetite return.
To be above a healthy weight increases your chance for experiencing diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight impacts people in countries worldwide and was responsible for millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.