The steerage focuses on GLP-1 therapies – medicines resembling liraglutide, semaglutide and tirzepatide – and gives conditional suggestions on how they can be utilized safely as a part of long-term therapy.
Dwelling with weight problems
A couple of billion folks worldwide reside with weight problems, which was linked to three.7 million deaths in 2024.
With out stronger motion, WHO warns the variety of folks affected may double by 2030inserting immense stress on well being techniques and pushing international financial losses to an estimated $3 trillion a 12 months.
Because the world’s foremost public well being authority, WHO’s assertion is anticipated to affect nationwide insurance policies, insurance coverage protection and scientific apply, notably as demand for efficient weight-loss remedies continues to surge.
“Weight problems is a serious international well being problem,” stated Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-Normal. “Our new steerage recognises that weight problems is a persistent illness that may be handled with complete and lifelong care. Whereas treatment alone gained’t clear up this international well being disaster, GLP-1 therapies may help tens of millions overcome weight problems and scale back its related harms.”
A fancy illness
WHO stresses that weight problems shouldn’t be merely the results of way of life selections, however a posh, persistent situation involving genetics, atmosphere, biology and social circumstances.
It’s a main driver of coronary heart illness, sort 2 diabetes and a few cancers, and might worsen outcomes for infectious ailments as nicely. For many individuals, losing a few pounds and maintaining it off is extraordinarily difficult with out medical help.
GLP-1 therapies work by mimicking a pure hormone that helps regulate urge for food, blood sugar and digestion.
For folks with weight problems, these medicines can result in vital weight reduction and well being enhancements.
WHO added them to its Important Medicines Record in 2025 for managing sort 2 diabetes in high-risk teams, and its new tips now suggest their long-term use for adults residing with weight problems, besides throughout being pregnant.
The advice is conditional because of restricted long-term security knowledge, uncertainty about sustaining weight reduction as soon as therapy stops, excessive prices, and vital issues about unequal entry throughout nations.
Not a standalone answer
WHO emphasises that weight-loss medicines should be used alongside different help.
The simplest therapy combines treatment with more healthy diets, elevated bodily exercise, and long-term steerage from well being professionals.
The group highlights that weight problems can’t be resolved by people alone and requires broad motion from governments and business to create more healthy meals environments and guarantee early intervention for these in danger.
Guaranteeing entry and security
Demand for GLP-1 medicines already far exceeds provide. Even with elevated manufacturing, WHO estimates fewer than 10 per cent of eligible folks could have entry by 2030.
It warns that with out deliberate insurance policies these remedies could widen present well being inequalities. The group urges governments to contemplate instruments resembling pooled procurement, honest pricing and voluntary licensing to develop entry.
WHO additionally warns of rising circulation of falsified or substandard GLP-1 merchandise fuelled by international shortages. It stresses the necessity for regulated provide chains, certified prescriptions and powerful oversight to guard sufferers.
The steerage was developed on the request of Member States and drew on scientific proof, knowledgeable overview and enter from folks residing with weight problems.
WHO plans to replace the suggestions as new proof emerges and can work with companions in 2026 to make sure that these with essentially the most pressing wants are prioritised.
