WHO Raises Warning Over Critical Shortage of Weight-Loss Injections

Fewer than one in 10 people that would benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy are able to get them, warns the World Health Organization as it issues its initial guidance on the therapies.

Given over a billion individuals worldwide now living with obesity, it is urging broader and more equitable availability to this class of drugs.

According to estimates, over two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.

"The latest guidance acknowledges that obesity is a chronic disease that can be addressed with comprehensive and ongoing treatment," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are key barriers to widespread availability to the injections that can help people shift substantial body mass, says the body.

Skinny Jab Shortage

Even under the present most favorable scenario, the supply of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, according to the WHO.

The recommendation urges nations and manufacturers to widen access, through measures including patent sharing.

Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the main ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.

The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Function

These medications imitate a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness so individuals consume fewer calories.

Individuals usually see weight reduction after several weeks of starting on the weekly injections.

Research indicates patients may put most of the weight back on within a year of halting the treatment, as their typical food cravings resume.

Being above a healthy weight elevates your risk for developing diseases, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.

Excess weight impacts individuals in countries worldwide and was linked to over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.