The World Health Organization (WHO) has released official guidance on the use of the drug. GLP-1 drug For the treatment of obesity.
GLP-1 drugs are drugs that mimic the natural hormone glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and are most commonly used for type 2 diabetes and medical weight loss.
The first guidelines, published on December 1, aim to address a “growing global society”. Health challenges caused by obesity” the WHO wrote in a press release.
Weight loss drug could add years to Americans’ lives, researchers project
Obesity affects more than 1 billion people worldwide and is associated with 3.7 million deaths. The obese population is expected to double by 2030.
GLP-1 medicines have been added to the WHO list of essential medicines for control. type 2 diabetes New guidelines for high-risk groups in September 2025 add two important “conditional recommendations” for obese people.
“GLP-1 therapy can be used in adults, but pregnant womanfor the long-term treatment of obesity,” states the first condition.
“While the effectiveness of these therapies in treating obesity and improving metabolic and other outcomes is clear, this recommendation is conditional due to long-term efficacy and safety, maintenance and discontinuation, current cost, and insufficient data.” Health system preparedness and potential stock implications. ”
The second condition allows for “intensive behavioral interventions” such as: healthy eatingregular physical activity and support from health care professionals provided to obese adults prescribed GLP-1 as part of a “comprehensive approach.”
In addition to the health impacts, the costs of obesity are projected to reach $3 trillion annually by 2030. WHO guidelines seek to reduce “soaring” health costs associated with managing obesity and other complications.
of WHO guidelines He emphasized the importance of equitable access to GLP-1 treatment.
For more health stories, click here
“Without intentional policies, access to these treatments could exacerbate existing health disparities,” the researchers wrote. “WHO calls for urgent action on manufacturing, affordability and system readiness to meet global needs.”
Despite the “rapid expansion” of GLP-1 production, health authorities have revealed that they expect fewer than 10% of people will benefit from these treatments by 2030.
“The guidelines call on the international community to consider strategies to expand access, including collective procurement, tiered pricing, and voluntary licensing,” WHO said.
Click here to sign up for our health newsletter
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a statement about the guidelines that obesity is a “serious problem”. global health challenges WHO is committed to tackling this problem by helping countries and peoples around the world manage it effectively and equitably. ”
“Our new guidance recognizes obesity as a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive, lifelong care,” he said. “Medicines alone cannot solve this global health crisis, but GLP-1 therapy can help millions of people overcome obesity and reduce the harms associated with it.”
The agency added that obesity is a “complex chronic disease” that contributes to other diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and diabetes. some cancers.
Although GLP-1 therapy alone will not solve the obesity problem, these therapies are “the first effective treatment option for adults,” the WHO said.
Test yourself with our latest lifestyle quiz
The group stressed that obesity requires creating a healthier environment to promote health and prevent obesity, protecting high-risk individuals through screening and early intervention, and ensuring lifelong safety. access to healthcare.
