WHO Releases Guidance on GLP-1 Drugs for Obesity Treatment
The World Health Organization (WHO) has published new guidelines regarding the use of GLP-1 drugs for managing obesity.
GLP-1 medications are designed to imitate the effects of the natural hormone glucagon-like peptide 1 and are mainly used in treating type 2 diabetes and aiding in weight loss.
These initial guidelines, which were published on December 1, are aimed at tackling the “growing global health issue of obesity,” according to a WHO press release.
With over 1 billion individuals affected worldwide, obesity is linked to approximately 3.7 million deaths. The number of obese individuals is anticipated to double by 2030.
Previously added to the WHO’s essential medicines list for managing type 2 diabetes in high-risk groups in September 2025, the new recommendations include two key “conditional recommendations” for those dealing with obesity.
The first condition suggests that GLP-1 therapy may be utilized by adults, excluding pregnant women, for long-term weight management.
Although these treatments have shown effectiveness in managing obesity and improving various health outcomes, recommendations remain conditional due to the limited data regarding their long-term efficacy and safety, the costs involved, health system readiness, and equity concerns.
“Our new guidance recognizes obesity as a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive, lifelong care.”
The second condition advocates for obese adults prescribed GLP-1 to receive “intensive behavioral interventions,” which may include advice on healthy diets, regular exercise, and support from healthcare providers, as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Economic Impact of Obesity
The financial burden of obesity is projected to reach $3 trillion annually by 2030. The WHO guidelines aim to mitigate the rising health costs tied to managing obesity and its related complications.
The organization emphasized the necessity for equitable access to GLP-1 treatments.
“Without intentional policies, access to these treatments could worsen existing health disparities,” the researchers noted. The WHO has called for urgent steps regarding manufacturing, affordability, and system preparedness to address global needs.
Despite the rapid increase in GLP-1 production, health authorities predict that less than 10% of those who need these treatments will have access by 2030.
WHO urged the international community to explore strategies for expanding access, such as group purchasing, variable pricing models, and voluntary licensing.
Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus remarked that obesity is a “major global health challenge” that WHO is determined to tackle by supporting countries and individuals in managing obesity effectively and fairly.
He added, “This new guidance confirms that obesity is a chronic condition that requires comprehensive, lifelong care. While medicines alone won’t remedy this global health crisis, GLP-1 therapy has the potential to assist millions in overcoming obesity and its associated risks.”
The WHO additionally noted that obesity is a “complex chronic disease” that heightens the risk of various other conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
While GLP-1 therapy is not a standalone solution to obesity, it represents the first significant effective treatment option for adults, the organization stated.
The WHO underscored that combating obesity necessitates creating a healthier environment to promote health, protecting at-risk individuals through screening and early intervention, and guaranteeing lifelong access to healthcare.
