The World Health Organization (WHO) has unveiled its first global guidelines on the use of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) therapies in treating obesity, a chronic condition impacting more than 1 billion individuals worldwide. This initiative responds to the alarming health crisis of obesity, which was linked to approximately 3.7 million deaths globally in 2024. Without significant interventions, experts project that the number of people affected by obesity could double by 2030.
Addressing a Growing Health Crisis
In September 2025, WHO incorporated GLP-1 therapies into its Essential Medicines List for managing high-risk groups with type 2 diabetes. The newly released guidelines provide conditional recommendations for the use of these therapies, positioning them as part of a multifaceted approach to assist individuals battling obesity. This comprehensive strategy emphasizes the necessity of healthy eating, regular physical activity, and professional support.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, “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.” He added that while medications alone cannot resolve this crisis, GLP-1 therapies present a significant opportunity for many to manage obesity and reduce its health risks.
Obesity is not only a health issue but a major contributor to various noncommunicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and specific cancers. Furthermore, it negatively affects outcomes for patients with infectious diseases. Economically, the cost of obesity is anticipated to reach US$ 3 trillion annually by 2030, emphasizing the need for effective management strategies.
Key Recommendations and Access Challenges
The WHO guidelines offer two pivotal conditional recommendations. Firstly, while GLP-1 therapies are acknowledged as the first effective treatment option for adults with obesity, WHO stresses that medications alone are insufficient. Tackling obesity necessitates a collective effort that involves societal engagement and systemic action.
The guidelines also underscore the need for equitable access to GLP-1 therapies, warning that without deliberate policy measures, access to these medications could worsen existing health disparities. WHO urges urgent action to enhance manufacturing capabilities, affordability, and the readiness of health systems to meet global demands. Despite rapid production expansion, GLP-1 therapies are projected to be accessible to fewer than 10% of those who could benefit by 2030.
To combat these accessibility challenges, WHO calls on the international community to explore strategies such as pooled procurement, tiered pricing, and voluntary licensing. These approaches aim to broaden access to therapies and ensure that individuals in need receive adequate support.
The development of these guidelines stems from requests by WHO Member States striving to confront the obesity challenge. The guideline formulation involved extensive evidence analysis and consultations with diverse stakeholders, including individuals with personal experiences of obesity. This document is a crucial element of WHO’s acceleration plan to combat obesity and will undergo regular updates as new evidence emerges.
Throughout 2026, WHO plans to collaborate closely with stakeholders to establish a transparent and equitable prioritization framework, ensuring that those with the greatest needs are prioritized for treatment.
