WHO issues global guideline on use of GLP-1 medicines in treating obesity

GENEVA, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- The World Health Organization (WHO) released on Monday its first guideline on the use of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) therapies for treating obesity as a chronic, relapsing disease.

The guideline aims to address the growing global health challenge of obesity, which affects more than 1 billion people and is associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024. Without decisive action, the number of people with obesity is projected to double by 2030.

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

"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. Our new guidance recognizes that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong care," said 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," he said.

Obesity is a complex, chronic disease and a major driver of noncommunicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes and some types of cancer. It also contributes to poorer outcomes for patients with infectious diseases.

Beyond its health impacts, the global economic cost of obesity is predicted to reach 3 trillion U.S. dollars annually by 2030. The guideline can help efforts to reduce skyrocketing health costs associated with managing the condition and its related health complications. ■