The guidelines focus on GLP-1 therapies – drugs such as liraglutide, semaglutide and tirzepatide – and offer conditional recommendations on how they can be used safely as part of long-term treatment.
Living with obesity
More than a billion people worldwide live with obesity, responsible for 3.7 million deaths in 2024.
Without stronger action, WHO warns that the number of people affected could double by 2030putting immense pressure on healthcare systems and pushing global economic losses to around $3 trillion per year.
As the world’s leading public health authority, the WHO statement is expected to influence national policies, insurance coverage and clinical practice, especially as demand for effective weight loss treatments continues to increase.
“Obesity is a major global health challenge,” said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Our new guidelines recognize that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive, lifelong care. Although drugs alone will not solve this global health crisis, GLP-1 therapies can help millions of people overcome obesity and reduce the harms associated with it..”
A complex disease
The WHO emphasizes that obesity is not simply the result of lifestyle choices, but a complex chronic disease involving genetics, environment, biology and social circumstances.
It is a major factor in heart disease, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers, and can also worsen the consequences of infectious diseases. For many people, losing weight and keeping it off is extremely difficult without medical support.
GLP-1 therapies work by mimicking a natural hormone that helps regulate appetite, blood sugar and digestion.
For obese people, these medications can lead to significant weight loss and improved health.
WHO added them to its list of essential medicines in 2025 for the management of type 2 diabetes in high-risk groups, and its new guidelines now recommend their long-term use for adults living with obesity, except during pregnancy.
The recommendation is conditional due to limited data on long-term safety, uncertainty about maintaining weight loss once treatment is stopped, high costs, and significant concerns about unequal access between countries.
Not a standalone solution
The WHO emphasizes that weight-loss drugs must be used with other media.
The most effective treatment combines medication with a healthier diet, increased physical activity and long-term advice from healthcare professionals.
The organization emphasizes that obesity cannot be solved by individuals alone and requires broad action from governments and industry to create healthier eating environments and ensure early intervention for those at risk.
Ensuring access and security
Demand for GLP-1 drugs already far exceeds supply. Even with increased production, the WHO estimates that less than 10 percent of eligible people will have access by 2030.
He warns that without deliberate policies, these treatments could increase existing health inequalities. The organization urges governments to consider tools such as group purchasing, fair pricing and voluntary licensing to expand access.
The WHO also warns of the increasing circulation of falsified or substandard GLP-1 products. fueled by global shortages. It highlights the need for regulated supply chains, qualified prescriptions and strict monitoring to protect patients.
The guidance was developed at the request of Member States and is based on scientific evidence, expert opinion and contributions from people living with obesity.
WHO plans to update its recommendations as new evidence emerges and will work with partners in 2026 to ensure that people with the most urgent needs are prioritized.
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
