The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for broader use of weight-loss medicines, highlighting that obesity is a chronic disease requiring long-term care.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the new guidance recognises obesity as a complex condition influenced by genetics, biology, environment, and social factors not merely lifestyle choices.
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Globally, more than one billion people live with obesity, which contributed to 3.7 million deaths in 2024. Without urgent action, WHO warns this number could double by 2030, straining health systems and generating up to $3 trillion in annual economic losses.
The guidance focuses on GLP-1 therapies,which mimic natural hormones to regulate appetite, blood sugar, and digestion. These medicines can help adults with obesity achieve meaningful weight loss and reduce related health risks. WHO now recommends their long-term use for adults, except during pregnancy, while emphasising that medication should be combined with healthy diets, physical activity, and professional support.
The organization warned that high costs and limited supply mean fewer than 10% of eligible people may access GLP-1 medicines by 2030, and inequitable access could worsen health inequalities. WHO urges governments to ensure fair pricing, pooled procurement, voluntary licensing, and regulated supply chains to prevent falsified or substandard products.
Tedros stressed that tackling obesity requires broad action from governments, health systems, and industry, alongside early intervention and accessible care. WHO will continue updating its recommendations and prioritising support for those most at risk.
