WHO Issues First GLP-1 Guidelines to Combat Global Obesity

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued its first-ever guideline on using Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) therapies to treat obesity, recognizing it as a chronic and recurring condition that now affects more than 1 billion people worldwide.Obesity remains a widespread issue in every country and was linked to 3.7 million deaths in 2024. If strong interventions are not taken, global obesity rates are expected to double by 2030.

Also Read: Biogen and Dayra Partner to Advance Oral Macrocyclic TherapiesWHO previously added GLP-1 therapies to its Essential Medicines List in September 2025 for high-risk individuals with type 2 diabetes. The new guideline extends their use by offering conditional recommendations for treating obesity, emphasizing that medication should complement a holistic approach that includes nutritious diets, regular exercise, and professional healthcare support.“Obesity poses a major global health threat, and WHO is dedicated to helping countries manage it effectively and fairly,” stated WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. He emphasized that although medication alone cannot resolve the crisis, GLP-1 therapies can significantly aid people living with obesity and lessen related health risks.Obesity is a multifaceted, long-term disease and a key contributor to noncommunicable illnesses—such as cardiovascular conditions, type 2 diabetes, and several cancers. It also worsens outcomes for individuals with infectious diseases.Beyond the health consequences, the economic toll of obesity is projected to hit US$ 3 trillion annually by 2030. The new guideline aims to support global efforts to curb rising healthcare costs tied to obesity and its complications.