The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Thursday its support for weight loss medications in adults around the world.
The organization plans to back-up GLP-1 like Wegovy and Zepbound to treat adult obesity, as part of a change to address the global obesity epidemic, as reported by Reuters.
In the memo, the agency summarized strategies to improve access to medicines in low- and middle-income countries, Reuters summed up.
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More than billions of people are obese worldwide, with about 70% of these individuals living in low- and middle-income countries, according to WHO data.
WHO has announced plans to support GLP-1 to deal with the global obesity epidemic. (istock)
The proven effectiveness of weight loss drugs has led individuals, particularly in other high-income countries such as the US and the UK and Germany, looking for GLP-1 solutions.
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However, as drugs can be priced at more than $1,000 a month, cost can be a factor, Reuters noted.
The proven effectiveness of weight loss drugs has led individuals, particularly in other high-income countries such as the US and the UK and Germany, looking for GLP-1 solutions. (Michael Siluk/UCG/Universal Images Group Getty Images)
In a statement, a WHO spokesman wrote that the agency is working on a “set of new recommendations on obesity prevention, care and treatment” among various age groups, including children, adolescents and adults.
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The agency said it expects drug recommendations to be finalized by August or September 2025.
The guidance also includes “how and when this class of medication will be integrated as one component of a model of chronic care, including both clinical and lifestyle interventions.”
In a statement, a WHO spokesman wrote that agents are working on “a set of new recommendations on obesity prevention, care and treatment” among different age groups. (Reuters/Dennis Balib House/File Photo)
WHO experts are also planning to meet next week to decide whether GLP-1 drugs should be included on the institution's essential drug list to treat both obesity and type 2 diabetes.
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The agency is also reportedly looking for long-term research into the cost-effectiveness of these drugs across “all settings” and income situations.
