GENEVA: Obesity is now one of the world’s most pressing health challenges, with over 1 billion people affected and associated with 3.7 million deaths in 2024 alone. The World Health Organization (WHO) has responded with its first-ever guideline on the use of GLP-1 therapies for treating obesity as a chronic disease, emphasizing that obesity is not a personal failure, but a complex condition requiring medical intervention. The new guideline aims to make treatment accessible and equitable, and it outlines how GLP-1 therapies can help in managing obesity, alongside healthy eating, physical activity, and professional care.
Obesity crisis: global health and economic impact
Obesity contributes to numerous noncommunicable diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers. It also has economic consequences, with the global cost of obesity predicted to reach over US$3 trillion annually by 2030. WHO’s new guideline highlights the growing need for comprehensive, long-term strategies to address this escalating crisis.
Key recommendations from the WHO guideline
The WHO guideline provides conditional recommendations for the use of GLP-1 therapies to treat obesity in adults. These therapies, including liraglutide, semaglutide, and tirzepatide, have been shown to help with weight loss and reduce the risk of obesity-related complications. The guideline offers two main recommendations:
GLP-1 therapies may be used by adults, excluding pregnant women, as part of a long-term treatment strategy for obesity. However, the recommendation is conditional due to limited data on the long-term safety and efficacy of these treatments and potential costs.
Intensive behavioral interventions, involving structured diets and physical activity programs, may be offered alongside GLP-1 therapies. These interventions have been shown to enhance treatment outcomes.
A comprehensive approach to tackling obesity
While GLP-1 therapies offer an effective treatment option, the WHO guideline emphasizes that medication alone will not solve the obesity crisis. A multifaceted approach is required to address the societal and environmental factors contributing to obesity. This approach includes:
- Creating healthier environments through population-level policies that promote health and prevent obesity.
- Protecting individuals at high risk through targeted screening and early interventions.
- Ensuring access to lifelong, person-centered care for those living with obesity.
Challenges to access and affordability
The guideline underscores the need for equitable access to GLP-1 therapies. Without careful planning, the availability of these treatments could worsen health disparities. WHO calls for global efforts to ensure affordability and system preparedness, including initiatives like pooled procurement and tiered pricing to increase access.
WHO’s ongoing commitment to obesity prevention
WHO developed this guideline in response to requests from Member States who are grappling with the obesity epidemic. The guideline is a key part of WHO’s acceleration plan to combat obesity, with regular updates planned as new evidence emerges. WHO will also work with stakeholders to develop a transparent and equitable prioritization framework for accessing GLP-1 therapies, ensuring that those in greatest need are reached first.
