WHO Backs Wider Use of Weight-Loss Medicines, Recognises Obesity as a Chronic Disease
WHO Recognises Obesity as a Chronic Disease, Supports Wider Use of Weight-Loss Medicines
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued new guidance supporting broader use of modern weight-loss medicines, stating that obesity should be treated as a chronic disease requiring long-term, comprehensive care. The recommendations focus on GLP-1 therapies — including liraglutide, semaglutide and tirzepatide — and offer conditional guidance on how these medicines may be used safely as part of sustained treatment plans for adults living with obesity.
A Growing Global Challenge
More than one billion people were living with obesity worldwide in 2024, a condition linked to an estimated 3.7 million deaths. Without stronger global action, WHO warns the number could double by 2030, placing tremendous strain on healthcare systems and potentially leading to economic losses of $3 trillion annually.
Given WHO’s influence on public health policy, this new guidance is expected to shape national regulations, insurance coverage and clinical practices, especially as global demand for effective weight-loss medicines continues to rise.
“Obesity is a major global health challenge,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said. “These new recommendations recognise obesity as a chronic disease that requires comprehensive and lifelong care. Medication alone won’t solve the crisis, but GLP-1 therapies can support millions in managing obesity and reducing related harms.”
Obesity: A Complex, Chronic Condition
WHO emphasises that obesity is not simply the result of personal choices. It is a complex medical condition shaped by biology, environment, genetics and social factors. It contributes to several serious health risks, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers, and can worsen outcomes for infectious illnesses.
For many individuals, losing weight and maintaining it long-term is difficult without medical and behavioural support.
GLP-1 therapies mimic a natural hormone that helps regulate appetite, digestion and blood sugar. For people living with obesity, these medicines can support significant improvements when used responsibly under medical supervision.
In 2025, WHO added GLP-1 therapies to its Essential Medicines List for managing type 2 diabetes in high-risk groups. The new guidance now recommends their long-term use for adults with obesity, except during pregnancy.
However, WHO stresses that the recommendation remains conditional due to:
- Limited long-term safety data
- Uncertainty about weight maintenance after stopping treatment
- High costs
- Concerns about unequal global access
Not a Standalone Solution
WHO makes clear that weight-loss medicines are not a cure on their own.
The most effective approach combines:
- Medical treatment where appropriate
- Healthier dietary patterns
- Increased physical activity
- Long-term support from qualified health professionals
The organisation stresses that obesity requires broader action from governments, industries and communities to build healthier environments and improve early interventions.
Ensuring Access, Preventing Inequality
Demand for GLP-1 therapies is already far greater than supply, and WHO estimates that fewer than 10% of eligible individuals will have access by 2030. Without policy safeguards, these medicines could widen existing health inequalities, leaving low-income and developing countries behind.
To expand access, WHO encourages governments to consider:
- Pooled procurement
- Fair pricing strategies
- Voluntary licensing agreements
The organisation also warns of the rise in falsified or substandard GLP-1 products, fuelled by global shortages. It calls for stronger regulatory monitoring, safe supply chains and qualified prescriptions to protect patients.
Guidance Based on Global Evidence
The new recommendations were developed at the request of WHO Member States and rely on scientific studies, expert evaluations and feedback from people living with obesity. WHO plans to update the guidance as more evidence becomes available and will work with partners in 2026 to ensure prioritised access for those with the greatest need.
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