WHO Releases First GLP-1 Guideline for Obesity Treatment

The World Health Organization (WHO) has published its first comprehensive guideline on using GLP-1 (Glucagon-like Peptide-1) drugs for obesity treatment, addressing a crisis affecting over 1 billion people globally. WHO estimates obesity's annual economic cost will reach $3 trillion by 2030 and urges immediate national action for physical activity promotion and obesity control programs.[web:attachment]

Dr. Mohammad Shariat-Zadeh, faculty member at the Sports Sciences Research Institute, notes this marks a shift viewing obesity as a chronic disease requiring lifelong care. WHO data links obesity to 3.7 million deaths in 2024, projecting a doubling of cases by 2030 without intervention.

Key WHO Recommendations

Conditional use of GLP-1 drugs for long-term adult obesity treatment (excluding pregnant women), due to proven weight loss and metabolic benefits but limited long-term data, high costs, and health system readiness issues.

Combine with behavioral interventions like structured healthy diets and regular physical activity to enhance effectiveness.

Three Core Principles

Create healthier environments and population prevention.

Support high-risk individuals.

Ensure equitable access to ongoing, personalized care.

Access Challenges
WHO warns unequal GLP-1 access could widen health disparities; even with production growth, <10% of those in need will access by 2030. Solutions include bulk purchasing, tiered pricing, and voluntary licensing.

Dr. Shariat-Zadeh emphasizes no drug solves obesity alone; WHO's guideline will update with new evidence as part of its obesity halt program. Full report: here