World Health Organization Raises Alert Over Critical Lack of Obesity Medications

Fewer than 10% of individuals that would benefit from obesity jabs like Wegovy have access to them, states the WHO as it publishes its initial advice on the drugs.

Considering over a billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is calling for more widespread and fairer availability to this class of drugs.

Based on forecasts, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 without intervention.

"The latest guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a long-term condition that can be managed with thorough and ongoing support," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Significant expense, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are key barriers to universal availability to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing significant body mass, notes the body.

Skinny Jab Supply Crisis

Even in the current most optimistic outlook, the supply of such drugs would only suffice for around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the WHO.

The guideline encourages nations and manufacturers to widen availability, by measures such as voluntary licensing.

A patent on semaglutide – the core component of a leading brand – is due to expire in a number of nations in 2026.

The Way Obesity Drugs Work

These medications replicate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and enhance feelings of fullness so people consume fewer calories.

People commonly begin shedding pounds after several weeks of starting on the weekly injections.

Research points to patients may regain a significant portion after a year of halting the treatment, as their normal appetite come back.

Being above a healthy weight elevates your chance for contracting diseases, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some malignancies.

Obesity affects people in every country and was associated with millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.