The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued its first guideline on the use of a new class of weight-loss medicines, marking a major shift in global health policy amid rising obesity rates.
The guidance focuses on GLP-1 therapies, including liraglutide, semaglutide, and tirzepatide, and provides conditional recommendations for their safe use as part of long-term obesity treatment.
Obesity affects over one billion people worldwide and was linked to 3.7 million deaths in 2024. The WHO warns that without stronger interventions, the number of people with obesity could double by 2030, placing enormous pressure on health systems and driving global economic losses up to $3 trillion annually.
“Obesity is a major global health challenge,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “Our new guidance recognizes obesity as a chronic disease that requires comprehensive, lifelong care. While medication alone won’t solve this crisis, GLP-1 therapies can help millions achieve weight loss and reduce related harms.”
WHO emphasized that obesity is a complex condition influenced by genetics, biology, environment, and social factors—not just lifestyle choices. It is a key driver of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers, and can worsen outcomes for infectious diseases. Many people struggle to lose weight and maintain it without medical support.
GLP-1 medicines mimic a natural hormone that regulates appetite, blood sugar, and digestion. For people with obesity, these drugs can produce significant weight loss and health improvements. WHO added GLP-1 therapies to its Essential Medicines List in 2025 for managing type 2 diabetes in high-risk groups, and now recommends their long-term use for adults with obesity, except during pregnancy.
The recommendation is conditional due to limited long-term safety data, uncertainty about sustained weight loss after stopping treatment, high costs, and unequal access across countries. WHO stressed that medication should be combined with healthier diets, increased physical activity, and ongoing support from healthcare professionals.
The agency also called for broader action by governments and industry to improve food environments and ensure early intervention for those at risk.
Demand for GLP-1 medicines already far exceeds supply. WHO estimates that even with increased production, fewer than 10% of eligible patients will have access by 2030. The agency warned that without deliberate policies, these treatments could widen existing health inequalities. It urged governments to consider pooled procurement, fair pricing, and voluntary licensing to expand access.
WHO further cautioned about the growing circulation of falsified or substandard GLP-1 products due to global shortages, highlighting the need for regulated supply chains, qualified prescriptions, and strong oversight.
The guidelines were developed at the request of WHO Member States, drawing on scientific evidence, expert review, and input from people living with obesity. WHO plans to update the recommendations as new evidence emerges and will work with partners in 2026 to prioritize those with the greatest need.
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