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

GLOBAL – The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its first guideline on the use of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) therapies for treating obesity as a chronic, relapsing disease to address the growing global health challenge of obesity, which affects more than 1 billion people.

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.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, stated, “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.

“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 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 of patients who have infectious diseases.

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

Landmark policy change

The new WHO guidance introduces two conditional recommendations for the management of obesity. First, it advises that GLP-1 therapies may be used by adults, excluding pregnant women, for long-term treatment of obesity.

While these therapies have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing obesity and improving metabolic and other health outcomes, the recommendation remains conditional.

This is due to limited evidence on their long-term efficacy and safety, uncertainties around maintenance and discontinuation, their high costs, inadequate preparedness of health systems, and potential equity concerns.

Second, the guidance suggests that intensive behavioural interventions—including structured programs focused on healthy diets and physical activity—may be offered to adults living with obesity who are prescribed GLP-1 therapies.

This recommendation is based on low-certainty evidence indicating that such interventions could enhance treatment outcomes when combined with pharmacological therapy.

Medication alone won’t reverse the obesity challenge

While GLP-1 therapies represent the first efficacious treatment option for adults with obesity, the WHO guideline emphasizes that medicines alone will not solve the problem. Obesity is not only an individual concern but also a societal challenge that requires multisectoral action.

 Addressing obesity requires a fundamental reorientation of current approaches to a comprehensive strategy built with three pillars. First is creating healthier environments through robust population-level policies to promote health and prevent obesity.

Second is protecting individuals at high risk of developing obesity and related comorbidities through targeted screening and structured early interventions; and

Third is ensuring access to lifelong, person-centred care.

Implementation considerations

The guideline emphasizes the importance of fair access to GLP-1 therapies and preparing health systems for use of these medicines.

Without deliberate policies, access to these therapies could exacerbate existing health disparities. WHO calls for urgent action on manufacturing, affordability, and system readiness to meet global needs.

Even with rapid expansion in production, GLP-1 therapies are projected to reach fewer than 10% 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.

WHO action

WHO developed the guideline in response to requests from its Member States looking to address the challenges posed by obesity.

The process to develop the guideline involved extensive analysis of available evidence, and consultation with a wide range of stakeholders, including people with lived experience.

This guideline is a key deliverable under the WHO acceleration plan to stop obesity and will be updated regularly as new evidence emerges.

During 2026, WHO will work closely with relevant stakeholders to encourage development of a transparent and equitable prioritization framework to ensure those with the highest need are reached first.

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