As obesity continues to rise at an alarming pace worldwide, affecting more than 1 billion people, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued its first global guideline on the use of GLP-1 medications for long-term obesity management. The move marks a major shift in recognizing obesity as a chronic, relapsing disease requiring lifelong care.
Obesity contributed to 3.7 million deaths in 2024, and current projections warn that the global prevalence could double by 2030 if decisive interventions are not implemented.
A New Chapter in Obesity Treatment
In 2025, WHO added GLP-1 therapies to its Essential Medicines List for high-risk individuals with type 2 diabetes. Building on that, the new guideline introduces conditional recommendations for using GLP-1 drugs as part of a structured, comprehensive obesity management plan that also includes lifestyle modification and professional health support.
“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,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “While medication alone won’t solve this global health crisis, GLP-1 therapies can help millions overcome obesity and reduce its associated harms.”
Obesity is a key driver of noncommunicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers, while also worsening outcomes for many infectious diseases. Economically, the global cost of obesity is expected to hit USD 3 trillion annually by 2030.
What the New WHO Guideline Recommends
The guideline outlines two major conditional recommendations:
- GLP-1 drugs may be used for long-term obesity treatment in adults (excluding pregnant women).
While evidence shows strong effectiveness in weight reduction and metabolic improvements, WHO notes remaining concerns about long-term safety, cost, and potential inequities in access.
- Patients on GLP-1 therapies may benefit from intensive behavioural interventions—including structured plans for nutrition and physical activity.
This combination approach may offer better results than medication alone.
Medicines Alone Are Not the Answer
WHO stresses that GLP-1 therapies should be viewed as one component of a broader strategy. Addressing the obesity epidemic requires:
- Healthier environments driven by strong public policies
- Early identification and targeted support for high-risk individuals
- Equitable, lifelong, person-centred care systems
The Equity Challenge
Fair access remains a significant concern. Even with rising production, GLP-1 therapies are likely to reach less than 10% of people who could benefit by 2030.
To close this gap, WHO calls for:
- Affordable pricing models
- Pooled procurement
- Voluntary licensing
- Stronger health-system preparedness
How WHO Developed the Guidance
The guideline was created in response to requests from WHO Member States for stronger direction on obesity care. The recommendations reflect a rigorous review of scientific evidence and extensive consultations with researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and people with lived experience of obesity.
This guideline is a core part of WHO’s global acceleration plan to halt the growing obesity crisis. Updated versions will be released as new evidence emerges.
In 2026, WHO will collaborate with partners globally to develop an equitable framework prioritizing individuals with the greatest need, ensuring that life-changing therapies can reach vulnerable populations first.