The World Health Organization has released its first-ever global guideline on the use of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) medicines for treating obesity marking a major step in how health systems view and manage this growing condition. The new guideline recognizes obesity as a chronic, relapsing disease that can be managed through long-term care using GLP-1 therapies alongside lifestyle changes. This signals a decisive move toward medical treatment options that go beyond diet and exercise alone.
Developed in response to increasing global demand for effective obesity management, the guideline reflects years of research and consultation. It provides conditional recommendations for adult use of GLP-1 therapies, noting their proven role in improving health outcomes when combined with sustained behavior interventions.
By highlighting both opportunities and challenges such as affordability, system readiness, and equitable access the WHO guideline sets the stage for broader discussion on how these treatments fit within comprehensive obesity care. This development invites healthcare professionals and policymakers to consider how medical innovation can better support people living with obesity worldwide.
WHO Global Guideline on GLP-1 Medicines for Obesity
The World Health Organization (WHO) released its first comprehensive guideline for glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) therapies, recognizing obesity as a chronic, relapsing disease. The guidance supports the use of evidence-based medicines to improve long-term health outcomes while emphasizing equity and access across countries and healthcare systems.
Key Recommendations for GLP-1 Use
The WHO guideline recommends GLP-1 receptor agonists as part of a structured, long-term treatment program for adults living with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²). These medicines are not presented as stand-alone solutions but as one component of comprehensive, chronic care that includes nutritional support, behavioral therapy, and physical activity.
WHO describes the recommendations as conditional, meaning that treatment should depend on available resources, health system capacity, and patient preference. It advises countries to adopt these medicines gradually and ensure affordability through fair procurement and cost-control mechanisms.
Equity plays a key role. WHO warns that new obesity treatments may widen health disparities if not introduced with proper safeguards. National health programs are encouraged to integrate ethical and financial reviews to ensure fair access and sustainability of treatment.
GLP-1 Medications: Liraglutide, Semaglutide, and Tirzepatide
The guideline highlights three main GLP-1 medications liraglutide, semaglutide, and tirzepatide as clinically supported pharmacotherapies for obesity management. Liraglutide and semaglutide are established GLP-1 receptor agonists, while tirzepatide is a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist that has shown improved outcomes in weight management trials.
Each drug works by reducing appetite, slowing gastric emptying, and increasing insulin sensitivity, all of which help regulate body weight and blood sugar levels. WHO emphasizes that these medicines should be administered under medical supervision and incorporated into long-term care plans.
GLP-1 agents also appear on the Essential Medicines List for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, and their use for obesity care reflects growing evidence that pharmacological interventions can support sustained weight reduction and metabolic health.
Conditional Scope and Eligibility Criteria
The new WHO guidance applies to adults aged 19 and older with obesity. It does not cover children or adolescents, as separate guidelines are in development. The scope is intentionally broad, allowing adaptation for different income levels, health systems, and clinical capacities.
Eligibility Overview
| Criterion | Description |
|---|---|
| Age Group | Adults (≥19 years) |
| BMI Threshold | ≥30 kg/m² |
| Comorbid Conditions | May include type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular risk, or other obesity-related diseases |
| Treatment Setting | Outpatient or integrated chronic care programs |
WHO encourages national programs to assess readiness before implementation. Health providers should confirm that patients understand potential side effects and treatment expectations. Flexible models of care enable equitable integration of GLP-1 therapies in both high- and low-resource settings, aligning with WHO’s goal of sustainable, person-centered obesity treatment.
Integrating GLP-1 Therapies Into Comprehensive Obesity Care
Integrating glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists into obesity management requires sustained attention to lifelong care, behavior modification, and access. Successful use of these therapies depends on combining medication with healthy diets, structured physical activity, and strong health system support.
Importance of Lifelong Management and Lifestyle Changes
Obesity is a chronic, relapsing condition influenced by diet, metabolism, and environment. GLP-1 receptor agonists can aid weight loss and improve metabolic health by lowering blood sugar and reducing appetite. However, individuals need ongoing care and self-management to maintain benefits.
A sustainable plan includes balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and follow-up with health care providers. Patients who engage in structured lifestyle programs are more likely to sustain weight loss and reduce risks of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and kidney disease.
WHO’s guideline on GLP-1 therapies for obesity emphasizes that medication should support not replace healthy behaviors. Integrating these therapies into primary care and patient-centered programs helps build habits that maintain health improvements after medical intervention.
Role of Intensive Behavioral Therapy With GLP-1s
Intensive behavioral therapy (IBT) enhances the effectiveness of GLP-1 therapies in adults living with obesity. Structured interventions typically include goal setting, meal planning, physical activity tracking, and problem-solving. These tools strengthen motivation and accountability, increasing patients’ chances of long-term success.
Clinical guidance suggests combining GLP-1 receptor agonists with counseling-based behavior programs for better weight maintenance and metabolic results. IBT also supports improvements in emotional well-being and reduces reliance on higher medication doses over time.
According to the WHO’s conditional recommendations, adults prescribed these medicines may benefit from intensive and structured behavior programs that complement pharmacotherapy. Providing this support in primary care can improve adherence and reduce the need for specialist intervention, improving overall cost-effectiveness of obesity treatment.
Ensuring Equitable Global Access and Health System Preparedness
Health systems must address access gaps to ensure GLP-1 therapies reach patients most in need. Equity efforts include integrating these treatments into universal health coverage and primary care benefit packages. Countries need to prepare through workforce training, reliable supply chains, and cost management measures.
The WHO highlights that without clear affordability and distribution strategies, access could remain limited to wealthier populations. Expanding screening programs for high body mass index (BMI) and related conditions like type 2 diabetes can help guide equitable prescription practices.
Building readiness across different income settings supports safe and consistent care. The global WHO guideline on GLP-1 medicines stresses creating policies that prevent inequity while maintaining patient safety and high-quality obesity care standards.
Barriers and Strategies for Affordability and Implementation
High medication prices remain one of the largest barriers to widespread use. Policies promoting tiered pricing, pooled procurement, and voluntary licensing can improve affordability. Encouraging local manufacturing also supports a steady supply and reduces dependence on international sources.
The WHO notes that even with increased production, fewer than 10% of those eligible may access GLP-1 therapies by 2030. Expanding manufacturing capacity and negotiating fair pricing are critical for sustainable implementation in low- and middle-income countries.
To manage costs effectively, countries can integrate GLP-1s into broad noncommunicable disease programs and monitor outcomes for cost-effectiveness. Coordinated procurement and transparent pricing agreements help control expenses while supporting equitable, patient-centered obesity care worldwide.
