WHO defines obesity as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher in adults.
It has approved GLP-1 therapies to treat obesity as a chronic, relapsing disease. GLP-1 receptor agonists are a class of medicines that help lower blood sugar, support weight loss, reduce the risk of heart and kidney complications, and can even lower the risk of early death in people with type 2 diabetes.
But the global demand for GLP-1 therapies has fueled the spread of falsified and substandard products, threatening patient safety and trust.
In view of this, the WHO has released its first guideline on the use of GLP-1 therapies, providing recommendations specifically for three agents used in the long-term treatment of obesity in adults: liraglutide, semaglutide and tirzepatide.
With the new guideline, the WHO has issued 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 recognises that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong care," WHO Director-General. Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
"While medication alone won’t solve this global health crisis, GLP-1 therapies can help millions overcome obesity and reduce its associated harms," he added.
Obesity is a complex, chronic disease and a major driver of noncommunicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes and some types of cancer. It also contributes to poorer outcomes for patients who have infectious diseases. In addition, the global economic cost of obesity is predicted to reach $3 trillion annually by 2030.
The new guidelines can help efforts to reduce skyrocketing health costs associated with managing the condition and associated health complications.
The new WHO guidance maintains that the GLP-1 therapies may be used by adults, but excluding pregnant women, for the long-term treatment of obesity.
Individuals using the GLP-1 therapies must also be offered intensive behavioural interventions, including structured interventions involving a healthy diet and physical activity.
"While GLP-1 therapies represent the first efficacious treatment option for adults with obesity, the WHO guideline emphasises that medicines alone will not solve the problem. Obesity is not only an individual concern but also a societal challenge that requires multisectoral action," the report said.
It recommended creating healthier environments through robust population-level policies to promote health and prevent obesity; protect individuals at high risk of developing obesity and related comorbidities through targeted screening and structured early interventions; and ensure access to lifelong, person-centred care.
The guidelines also emphasise the importance of fair access to GLP-1 therapies and preparing health systems for the use of these medicines. Without deliberate policies, access to these therapies could exacerbate existing health disparities.
“Even with rapid expansion in production, GLP-1 therapies are projected to reach fewer than 10 per cent of those who could benefit by 2030. The guideline calls on the global community to consider strategies to expand access, such as pooled procurement, tiered pricing, and voluntary licensing, among others,” the report said.
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