To tackle the growing global health challenge of obesity—which now affects more than one billion people worldwide—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. Obesity is now present in every country and was linked to 3.7 million deaths in 2024. Without effective action, the number of people living with obesity could double by 2030.

In 2025, WHO added GLP-1 therapies to its Essential Medicines List for managing type 2 diabetes in high-risk groups. The new guideline introduces conditional recommendations on using these medications as part of a comprehensive treatment approach that includes healthy diets, regular physical activity and professional medical support. WHO emphasized that while medication alone cannot resolve the crisis, GLP-1 therapies can play a meaningful role in reducing obesity-related harm.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, said the new guideline acknowledges obesity as a chronic disease requiring long-term, comprehensive care. He highlighted that GLP-1 therapies can help millions of people while noting that broader action is necessary to address the scale of the problem.

Obesity contributes significantly to noncommunicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and several cancers. It also worsens outcomes for infectious diseases. By 2030, the economic cost of obesity is expected to reach US$ 3 trillion annually. The guideline aims to support countries in reducing these growing health and economic burdens.

The WHO guidance presents two conditional recommendations: GLP-1 therapies may be prescribed for long-term obesity treatment in adults, excluding pregnant women, though evidence gaps remain regarding long-term safety, cost and health-system preparedness; and intensive behavioural interventions may be provided alongside these therapies, given indications that such support improves outcomes.

The guideline stresses that obesity is a societal issue requiring multisectoral strategies focused on creating healthier environments, supporting people at high risk and ensuring access to lifelong, person-centred care. It also warns that without deliberate action, unequal access to GLP-1 therapies may deepen global health disparities. WHO calls for efforts to improve manufacturing capacity, affordability and system readiness.

Despite increasing production, current forecasts suggest that fewer than 10% of eligible individuals will have access to GLP-1 therapies by 2030. WHO encourages global strategies such as pooled procurement, tiered pricing and voluntary licensing to broaden access.

The guideline was developed in response to requests from member states and incorporates evidence reviews and stakeholder consultations, including input from people with lived experience. It forms a core component of WHO’s obesity acceleration plan and will be updated regularly as new data become available. Through 2026, WHO will work with partners to create an equitable prioritization framework to ensure those with the greatest need receive treatment first.

WHO defines obesity as a Body Mass Index of 30 or above in adults. GLP-1 receptor agonists—such as liraglutide, semaglutide and tirzepatide—help lower blood sugar, support weight loss, reduce cardiovascular and kidney risks and lower mortality in people with type 2 diabetes. The guideline specifically focuses on their use for long-term obesity treatment. Growing global demand for these medicines has led to an increase in falsified and substandard products, underscoring the need for regulated distribution, qualified prescribing, patient education and strong international cooperation to safeguard public health.