Geneva: The World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday released its first guidelines on the use of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) therapies for treating obesity, responding to what it calls a growing global health crisis affecting more than 1 billion people. Obesity was linked to 3.7 million deaths in 2024, and the WHO warned that without decisive action, the number of people living with the condition could double by 2030. The GLP-1s are medicines that help people feel fuller for longer.
According to Philippines News Agency, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that "Obesity is a major global health challenge that WHO is committed to addressing. Our new guidance recognizes that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong care." He added that while "medication alone won't solve this global health crisis, GLP-1 therapies can help millions overcome obesity and reduce its associated harms."
The guidelines stated that GLP-1 therapies may be used for the long-term treatment of obesity in adults, excluding pregnant women, though the WHO noted the advice is conditional due to limited long-term safety data, costs, and potential equity concerns. The WHO also mentioned that intensive behavioral interventions, including structured healthy diet and physical activity programs, may be offered alongside the medications to enhance outcomes.
The agency highlighted that obesity is a complex, chronic disease driving cardiovascular illnesses, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers, and contributing to worse outcomes from infectious diseases. The economic toll is projected to reach USD3 trillion annually by 2030. The agency stressed the need for healthier environments, early interventions for high-risk groups, and lifelong, person-centered care.
It also called for urgent action to ensure equitable access to GLP-1 therapies, warning that fewer than 10 percent of those who could benefit are expected to receive them by 2030. In September, the WHO added GLP-1 therapies to its Essential Medicines List for managing type 2 diabetes in high-risk groups.
