WHO Issues First Guideline on GLP-1 Therapies for Obesity

The World Health Organization (WHO) released its first guideline on the use of GLP-1 therapies for obesity, marking a shift in global policy as countries confront rising prevalence rates and growing health system pressures. Obesity affects over 1 billion people worldwide and was linked to 3.7 million deaths in 2024. WHO projects the number of people living with obesity could double by 2030 without coordinated action.

The guidance builds on WHO’s decision in 2025 to add GLP-1 therapies to the Essential Medicines List for high-risk groups with type 2 diabetes. The organization now issues conditional recommendations for their use as part of long-term obesity treatment, positioning the medicines within a broader care strategy that includes diet, physical activity, and clinical support.

Tedros Adhanom, Director General, WHO, says the guideline reflects the recognition of obesity as a chronic disease requiring sustained care. He notes that although medication alone will not reverse global trends, GLP-1 therapies can support millions of patients and reduce associated health burdens.

Obesity is a major contributor to noncommunicable diseases, including cardiovascular conditions, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. It also increases risks linked to infectious diseases. The global economic impact is projected to reach US$3 trillion annually by 2030, intensifying the need for more effective management strategies.

The guideline outlines two conditional recommendations. First, GLP-1 therapies may be used for long-term treatment in adults, excluding pregnant women, though WHO notes limited data on long-term outcomes, the high cost of treatment, and uneven preparedness of health systems. Second, adults prescribed GLP-1 therapies may benefit from intensive behavioural interventions, including structured diet and physical activity programs, based on emerging evidence showing improved treatment results.

WHO stresses that medicines alone will not resolve obesity. The organization calls for a multisectoral approach rooted in creating healthier environments, early interventions for people at risk, and equitable access to lifelong, person-centred care. The recommendation highlights the need for strong population-level policies, targeted screening programs, and integrated care pathways.

Implementation will require deliberate action to prevent inequitable access to GLP-1 therapies. WHO warns that even with expanded production, fewer than 10% of eligible patients may have access by 2030. The guideline encourages countries and stakeholders to explore pooled procurement, tiered pricing, and voluntary licensing to improve affordability and availability.

The guideline was developed in response to requests from WHO Member States and involved extensive evidence review and consultation with stakeholders, including individuals with lived experience. WHO plans to engage partners throughout 2026 to support the creation of a prioritization framework that ensures therapies reach those with the highest need. The organization will update the guideline as new data becomes available.

GLP-1 receptor agonists have drawn significant global interest. Although they are primarily approved for type 2 diabetes and obesity, emerging research continues to explore their potential effects beyond metabolic disease. Clinical trials have shown that GLP-1 medications can reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, further broadening scientific interest in their mechanisms.

“For now, semaglutide’s story remains firmly rooted in its proven ability to transform diabetes and obesity care as well as cardiovascular risk reductions and other comorbidities where its impacts continue to grow globally,” says Maziar Doustdar, President and CEO, Novo Nordisk.