WHO Warns of Obesity Jab Shortage

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning about the limited availability of obesity medications. These drugs, often called 'skinny jabs', are only accessible to less than one in ten people who could benefit from them.

With global obesity rates soaring - over one billion people are currently obese, and this number is projected to double by 2030 - WHO emphasizes the urgent need for action. The organization has added these GLP-1 medications to its 'essential' medicines list for overweight patients with diabetes.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stressed that while medication alone won't solve the obesity crisis, these therapies can significantly help millions of people. The organization is calling for more widespread and equitable access to these drugs.

However, high costs, limited production capacity, and supply-chain issues are major obstacles. WHO is urging countries and pharmaceutical companies to expand access through strategies like voluntary licensing, which would allow for the production of affordable generic versions.