The guidelines focus on GLP-1 therapies, including drugs such as liraglutide, semaglutide, and tirzepatide, and offer conditional recommendations on their safe use in long-term treatment.
Living with Obesity
Over a billion people globally live with obesity, leading to 3.7 million deaths in 2024. WHO warns that without stronger action, the number affected could double by 2030, putting immense pressure on healthcare systems and causing global economic losses of about $3 trillion annually. As the leading public health authority, WHO’s statement is likely to impact national policies, insurance coverage, and clinical practice, especially with increasing demand for effective weight loss treatments.
“Obesity is a major global health challenge,” stated Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Our new guidelines acknowledge obesity as a chronic disease that requires comprehensive, lifelong care. Though drugs alone won’t resolve this health crisis, GLP-1 therapies can aid millions in overcoming obesity and reducing its associated harms.”
A Complex Disease
WHO stresses that obesity is not merely due to lifestyle choices but is a complex chronic disease involving genetics, environment, biology, and social factors. It significantly contributes to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers and can exacerbate the effects of infectious diseases. Many people find weight loss and maintenance difficult without medical assistance. GLP-1 therapies mimic a natural hormone that regulates appetite, blood sugar, and digestion, leading to significant weight loss and improved health for obese individuals. WHO added these therapies to its essential medicines list in 2025 for managing type 2 diabetes in high-risk groups, with new guidelines recommending their long-term use for adults with obesity, except during pregnancy. The recommendation is conditional due to limited long-term safety data, uncertainty about weight maintenance post-treatment, high costs, and significant concerns about unequal access across countries.
Not a Standalone Solution
WHO emphasizes that weight-loss drugs must be used alongside other measures. The most effective treatment combines medication with a healthier diet, increased physical activity, and long-term professional advice. The organization stresses that solving obesity 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 far exceeds supply. Even with increased production, WHO estimates less than 10 percent of eligible people will access them by 2030. WHO warns that without deliberate policies, these treatments could widen existing health inequalities. The organization urges governments to consider tools like group purchasing, fair pricing, and voluntary licensing to enhance access. WHO also warns of increasing circulation of falsified or substandard GLP-1 products due to global shortages, emphasizing the need for regulated supply chains, qualified prescriptions, and strict monitoring to protect patients. The guidance, developed at Member States’ request, is based on scientific evidence, expert opinion, and input from people living with obesity. WHO plans to update its recommendations as new evidence emerges and will work with partners in 2026 to prioritize those with urgent needs.
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