WHO Issues First Guideline on GLP-1 Therapies for Obesity

The World Health Organization (WHO) released its first-ever guideline on the use of GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) therapies for treating obesity — a condition affecting over 1 billion people globally.

Key Points

• The guideline gives a conditional recommendation for using GLP-1 drugs as part of long-term obesity management.
• Applies to adults with BMI ≥ 30 (excluding pregnant women).
• Three GLP-1 agents included:
  ✔ Semaglutide
  ✔ Tirzepatide
  ✔ Liraglutide (older GLP-1 drug)

What is GLP-1?

• Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a natural hormone that helps regulate blood sugar, appetite, and food intake by stimulating insulin secretion and slowing stomach emptying.

Why GLP-1 Drugs?

These medications:

• Help control blood sugar
• Support significant weight loss
• Lower risk of heart and kidney complications

Background

• September 2025: WHO added GLP-1 drugs to the Essential Medicines List for managing type 2 diabetes in high-risk groups.
• 2025: Guideline expanded to include obesity treatment as global demand for GLP-1 agonists surges.

Recommendations

1. Use GLP-1 drugs for long-term obesity treatment (conditional).
2. Combine medication with healthy diet + physical activity for best results.

Global Access Challenge

• Even with increased production, GLP-1 drugs may reach <10% of eligible individuals by 2030.
• WHO will coordinate with governments in 2026 to expand access, focusing on high-need populations.
• The economic burden of obesity is expected to hit $3 trillion annually by 2030.

Global Health Context

• Obesity caused ~3.7 million deaths annually (2024 data).
• Number of obese individuals expected to double by 2030.

Why WHO acted

Member states requested guidance to manage the escalating obesity epidemic and integrate GLP-1 therapies into public health systems.

Source: HT