WHO backs use of GLP-1 drugs for treating obesity

To address the growing global health challenge of obesity, which affects more than one billion people, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has released its first guideline on the use of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) therapies for treating obesity as a chronic, relapsing disease.

Key points on obesity:

• WHO defines obesity as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher in adults. 

• Obesity affects people in every country and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024. 

• Without decisive action, the number of people with obesity is projected to double by 2030.

• Obesity is a major global health challenge that WHO is committed to addressing by supporting countries and people worldwide to control it, effectively and equitably.

• Obesity is a complex, chronic disease and a major driver of non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes and some types of cancer. 

• It also contributes to poorer outcomes of patients who have infectious diseases.

• Beyond its health impacts, the global economic cost of obesity is predicted to reach $3 trillion annually by 2030.

Use of GLP-1 medicines in treating obesity

• In September 2025, WHO added GLP-1 therapies to its Essential Medicines List for managing type 2 diabetes in high-risk groups. 

• WHO developed the guideline in response to requests from its Member States looking to address the challenges posed by obesity. 

• The process to develop the guideline involved extensive analysis of available evidence, and consultation with a wide range of stakeholders, including people with lived experience. 

• With the new guideline, WHO issues conditional recommendations for using these therapies to support people living with obesity in overcoming this serious health challenge, as part of a comprehensive approach that includes healthy diets, regular physical activity and support from health professionals.

Medication alone won’t reverse the obesity challenge

• While GLP-1 therapies represent the first efficacious treatment option for adults with obesity, the WHO guideline emphasizes that medicines alone will not solve the problem. 

• Obesity is not only an individual concern but also a societal challenge that requires multisectoral action. 

Addressing obesity requires a fundamental reorientation of current approaches to a comprehensive strategy built with three pillars:

i) Creating healthier environments through robust population-level policies to promote health and prevent obesity.

ii) Protecting individuals at high risk of developing obesity and related comorbidities through targeted screening and structured early interventions.

iii) Ensuring access to lifelong, person-centred care.