The World Health Organization (WHO) has published its guidelines for use GLP-1 drugs Used to treat 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 guidance was released on December 1 to address “the growing global economic Health challenges of obesity”, WHO wrote in a press release.

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Obesity affects more than 1 billion people worldwide and causes 3.7 million deaths. By 2030, the number of people with obesity is expected to double.

While GLP-1 drugs have been added to the WHO’s essential medicines list for administration type 2 diabetes Among high-risk groups in September 2025, the new guidelines add two key “conditional recommendations” for obese people.

The World Health Organization has announced its official guidelines on the use of GLP-1 drugs to treat obesity. (Reuters/Denis Balibouse/File Photo)

“GLP-1 therapies are available for adults but do not include pregnant womanfor the long-term treatment of obesity,” the first condition states.

“While the efficacy of these therapies in treating obesity and improving metabolic and other outcomes is clear, this recommendation is qualified by limited data on their long-term efficacy and safety, maintenance and discontinuation, and current costs. Health System Preparedness and potential equity impacts. “

“Our new guidelines recognize that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive, lifelong care.”

The second condition allows for “intensive behavioral intervention,” including healthy eatingProvide regular physical activity and health professional support to obese adults taking GLP-1 as part of a “comprehensive approach”.

cost of health

In addition to its health effects, the cost of obesity is expected to reach $3 trillion per year by 2030. The World Health Organization’s guidelines seek to reduce the “skyrocketing” health costs associated with managing obesity and other complications.

this World Health Organization Guidelines Emphasizes the importance of equitable access to GLP-1 therapies.

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“Without thoughtful policies, access to these therapies may exacerbate existing health disparities,” they wrote. “WHO calls for urgent action on manufacturing, affordability, and system readiness to meet global demand.”

The first condition states: “GLP-1 therapy is available for use in adults, excluding pregnant women, for the long-term treatment of obesity.” (iStock)

Despite the “rapid expansion” of GLP-1 production, the health agency revealed that by 2030, these treatments are expected to reach less than 10% of people who could benefit from them.

“The guidance calls on the international community to consider strategies to expand access, such as centralized procurement, tiered pricing and voluntary licensing,” WHO said.

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Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organization, wrote in a statement that obesity is “a major health problem.” global health challenges WHO is committed to solving this problem by supporting countries and people around the world to control this problem effectively and equitably. “

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“Our new guidelines recognize that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive, lifelong care,” he said. “While drug treatments alone will not solve this global health crisis, GLP-1 therapies could help millions of people overcome obesity and reduce its associated harms.”

New guidelines from the World Health Organization provide support for people with obesity through behavioral interventions such as diet, exercise and medical visits. (iStock)

The agency added that obesity is a “complex chronic disease” that is a driver of other conditions such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and diabetes. some cancers.

The WHO said that while GLP-1 therapies alone will not solve the problem of obesity, these therapies represent “the first effective treatment option for adults.”

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The organization emphasizes that obesity requires creating healthier environments to promote health and prevent obesity, protect high-risk groups through screening and early intervention, and ensure lifelong Get health care.