World Health Organization Sounds Alert Over Severe Lack of Weight-Loss Medications

Under one in 10 patients who could benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy can access them, warns the WHO as it issues its initial recommendations on the therapies.

With over a billion individuals worldwide now obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.

Per projections, more than two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.

"The new guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be managed with comprehensive and continuous care," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Significant expense, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are significant barriers to universal access to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing significant body mass, says the organization.

Skinny Jab Shortage

Even in the present most optimistic outlook, the production of such drugs could only cover around 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, per the health organization.

The guideline encourages countries and companies to increase access, via strategies like licensing agreements.

Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the core component of a leading brand – is set to lapse in multiple countries in 2026.

The Way Weight-Loss Injections Work

The injections replicate a biological compound to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and increase satiety so people reduce food intake.

Individuals usually begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.

Evidence points to users may put most of the weight back on within a year of halting the treatment, when their usual appetite resume.

To be carrying excess weight raises your likelihood for contracting diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some cancers.

Obesity impacts people in every country and was associated with over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.