A Paradigm Shift in Obesity Management

The WHO’s guidance centers around two key conditional recommendations:

• GLP-1 Therapies for Adults: GLP-1 therapies may be considered for adults – excluding pregnant women – for the long-term treatment of obesity. While demonstrating efficacy in weight management and metabolic improvements, the recommendation is conditional due to limited long-term data regarding safety, maintenance, discontinuation, current costs, and potential inequities in access.
• Integrated Behavioral Interventions: Intensive behavioral interventions, including structured programs focused on healthy eating and increased physical activity, should be offered alongside GLP-1 therapies. This recommendation, based on limited evidence, suggests that combining medication with lifestyle changes may enhance treatment outcomes.

Beyond Medication: A Multifaceted Approach

The WHO emphasizes that GLP-1 therapies are not a panacea for the obesity epidemic. Addressing this complex issue requires a fundamental shift towards a comprehensive strategy built on three core pillars:

• Healthier Environments: Implementing robust population-level policies to promote health and prevent obesity.
• Targeted Prevention: Protecting individuals at high risk of developing obesity and related health problems through early screening and structured interventions.
• Lifelong, Person-Centred Care: Ensuring access to continuous, individualized care for those living with obesity.

Navigating Implementation Challenges

The guideline underscores the critical importance of equitable access to GLP-1 therapies and the need for healthcare systems to prepare for their widespread use. Without proactive policies, access could widen existing health disparities. The WHO calls for immediate action to address manufacturing capacity, affordability, and system readiness to meet global demand.

Projections indicate that even with increased production, GLP-1 therapies will reach fewer than 10% of those who could benefit by 2030. The WHO advocates for collaborative strategies to expand access, including pooled procurement, tiered pricing models, and voluntary licensing agreements.

WHO’s Ongoing Commitment

Developed in response to requests from its Member States, this guideline is a key component of the WHO acceleration plan to stop obesity. The guideline will be regularly updated as new evidence emerges. The process involved rigorous analysis of available data and extensive consultation with stakeholders, including individuals with lived experience.

Throughout 2026, the WHO will collaborate with stakeholders to develop a transparent and equitable prioritization framework, ensuring that those with the greatest need receive access first. What innovative financing models could ensure equitable access to these therapies in low- and middle-income countries?

Did You Know?

The rise in demand for GLP-1 therapies has unfortunately led to an increase in falsified and substandard products, posing a threat to patient safety and trust. Ensuring quality requires regulated distribution, prescription by qualified healthcare professionals, robust oversight, patient education, and international cooperation to safeguard public health. How can global regulatory bodies effectively combat the proliferation of counterfeit GLP-1 medications?

Frequently Asked Questions About the WHO Obesity Guideline

• What are GLP-1 therapies and how do they work for obesity?

  GLP-1 receptor agonists are medications that mimic a natural hormone in the body, helping to lower blood sugar, reduce appetite, and promote weight loss. They can also reduce the risk of heart and kidney complications.

• Is this WHO guideline a recommendation for everyone with obesity to take medication?

  No, the guideline emphasizes a comprehensive approach. Medication is one component, and should be combined with lifestyle changes like a healthy diet and regular exercise, and is conditionally recommended based on individual circumstances and healthcare professional assessment.

• What are the potential barriers to implementing this guideline globally?

  Key barriers include the high cost of GLP-1 therapies, limited healthcare system preparedness, potential inequities in access, and the need for more long-term data on safety and efficacy.

• How does the WHO plan to address the issue of access to GLP-1 therapies?

  The WHO is advocating for strategies such as pooled procurement, tiered pricing, and voluntary licensing agreements to increase affordability and availability, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

• What role do lifestyle interventions play in the WHO’s obesity strategy?

  Lifestyle interventions, including structured programs for healthy eating and physical activity, are considered crucial. The guideline recommends offering these interventions alongside GLP-1 therapies to enhance treatment outcomes.

• What is the WHO’s definition of obesity?

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