The Global Health Body Raises Alert Over Acute Lack of Weight-Loss Jabs

Less than a tenth of people eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy can access them, states the global health agency as it publishes its first recommendations on the therapies.

Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is calling for more widespread and fairer availability to these injectable treatments.

Based on estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.

"Our new guidance affirms that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be managed with thorough and ongoing support," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are key barriers to broad access to the injections that can help people shift significant weight, says the organization.

Skinny Jab Scarcity

Even under the current most optimistic scenario, the production of these medications could only cover approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.

The advice encourages governments and firms to widen availability, through measures like voluntary licensing.

Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the primary component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.

How Weight-Loss Jabs Work

GLP-1 drugs replicate a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and boost the sense of being full so individuals reduce food intake.

Patients typically see weight reduction in the initial weeks of starting on the regular doses.

Studies points to users may see weight return a year later of discontinuing the medication, as their typical food cravings return.

To be overweight or obese raises your chance for experiencing diseases, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain cancers.

Excess weight concerns people in every country and was associated with 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.