WHO Issues First Obesity Treatment Guideline: GLP-1 Therapies Explained

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued its first guideline on the use of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) therapies for treating obesity, recognizing it as a chronic, relapsing disease affecting over 1 billion people globally. Obesity was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, and without intervention, the number of people affected is projected to double by 2030.

A Global Health Crisis Addressed

This new guidance follows the WHO’s September 2025 addition of GLP-1 therapies to its Essential Medicines List for managing type 2 diabetes in high-risk groups. The current guideline offers conditional recommendations for utilizing these therapies to help individuals overcome obesity, emphasizing a comprehensive approach that includes healthy diets, regular physical activity, and professional healthcare support.

Did You Know? The global economic cost of obesity is predicted to reach US$3 trillion annually by 2030.

According to Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, “Obesity is a major global health challenge that WHO is committed to addressing…Our new guidance recognizes that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong care.” He also noted that while medication alone won’t solve the crisis, GLP-1 therapies can assist millions in overcoming obesity and mitigating its associated harms.

Conditional Recommendations

The WHO guidance includes two key conditional recommendations. GLP-1 therapies may be used by adults – excluding pregnant women – for the long-term treatment of obesity. However, this recommendation is conditional due to limited data regarding long-term efficacy, safety, maintenance, discontinuation, costs, and potential equity implications. Intensive behavioral interventions, including structured diet and exercise programmes, may be offered to adults prescribed GLP-1 therapies, based on low-certainty evidence suggesting improved outcomes.

Expert Insight: The WHO’s conditional recommendations highlight the complexities of addressing obesity with pharmaceutical interventions. While GLP-1 therapies show promise, their widespread and equitable implementation requires careful consideration of cost, access, and long-term health system preparedness.

A Multifaceted Approach is Crucial

The WHO stresses that medication is not a singular solution. Addressing obesity requires a fundamental shift towards a comprehensive strategy built on three pillars: creating healthier environments through population-level policies, protecting high-risk individuals through targeted interventions, and ensuring access to lifelong, person-centered care.

The guideline emphasizes the importance of fair access to GLP-1 therapies and preparing health systems for their use. Without proactive policies, access could worsen existing health disparities. The WHO calls for urgent action regarding manufacturing, affordability, and system readiness to meet global needs. Even with increased production, these therapies are projected to reach fewer than 10% of those who could benefit by 2030.

The WHO developed this guideline in response to requests from its Member States and involved extensive evidence analysis and stakeholder consultation, including individuals with lived experience. This work is a key component of the WHO acceleration plan to stop obesity and will be updated as new evidence emerges. During 2026, the WHO will work with stakeholders to develop a framework for prioritizing access to those with the greatest need.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are GLP-1 therapies?

GLP-1 receptor agonists are medicines that help lower blood sugar, support weight loss, reduce the risk of heart and kidney complications, and can even lower the risk of early death in people with type 2 diabetes. The guideline specifically addresses liraglutide, semaglutide and tirzepatide.

Is obesity simply an individual problem?

No, the WHO emphasizes that obesity is not only an individual concern but also a societal challenge requiring multisectoral action.

What is the WHO doing to ensure equitable access to GLP-1 therapies?

The WHO calls for urgent action on manufacturing, affordability, and system readiness to meet global needs and is working to develop a transparent and equitable prioritization framework.

As GLP-1 therapies become more widely discussed as a potential treatment for obesity, how might healthcare systems balance innovation with equitable access for all who could benefit?