WHO issues guidance on GLP-1 drugs for obesity, calls them a “scientific breakthrough” and “new chapter”

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released new guidelines recommending the use of GLP-1 drugs for the treatment of obesity. These guidelines, outlined in a recent news release, emphasize the potential benefits of GLP-1 therapies for adults struggling with obesity, excluding pregnant women. The WHO also recommends incorporating intensive behavioral therapy, including dietary and exercise modifications, in conjunction with the use of these medications.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO’s director-general, highlighted the organization’s commitment to addressing obesity as a global health challenge. He emphasized the importance of comprehensive and lifelong care in managing obesity, stating that while medication alone is not a solution, GLP-1 therapies can aid in overcoming obesity and reducing associated risks.

The recommendations put forth by WHO are considered “conditional,” with factors such as limited data on long-term efficacy and safety, as well as costs, influencing the decision. Additionally, the organization notes that intensive behavioral therapy may enhance the outcomes of GLP-1 treatment, although the evidence supporting this is of low certainty.

An article published in the peer-reviewed medical journal JAMA underscores the significance of GLP-1 drugs in shifting the perception of obesity from a lifestyle condition to a treatable chronic disease. Francesca Celletti, senior advisor for obesity at WHO, co-authored the article, emphasizing the importance of equitable access to these medications.

WHO stresses the urgency of addressing manufacturing, affordability, and system readiness to meet the global demand for GLP-1 therapies. Despite rapid production expansion, the organization estimates that by 2030, only a small percentage of individuals who could benefit from these treatments will have access to them.

Popular brands of GLP-1 drugs in the U.S., such as Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Zepbound, have been approved for various conditions including diabetes and weight loss. WHO reports that more than 1 billion people worldwide are affected by obesity, which contributed to 3.7 million deaths last year. The organization added GLP-1 therapies to its Essential Medicines List for managing type 2 diabetes in high-risk groups.

In conclusion, WHO’s new guidelines offer conditional recommendations for using GLP-1 therapies as part of a comprehensive approach to combat obesity. These recommendations align with the organization’s efforts to promote healthy diets, regular physical activity, and support from healthcare professionals in addressing obesity as a serious health challenge.