The guideline focuses on GLP-1 therapies (drugs such as liraglutide, semaglutide and tirzepatide) and offers conditional recommendations on how they can be used safely as part of long-term treatment.
Living with obesity
More than one billion people worldwide live with obesity, which was linked to 3.7 million deaths in 2024.
Without stronger action, the WHO warns that the number of people affected could double between now and 2030putting immense pressure on health systems and raising global economic losses to approximately $3 trillion a year.
As the world’s leading public health authority, the WHO statement is expected to influence national policies, insurance coverage and clinical practice, particularly as demand for effective weight loss treatments continues to increase.
“Obesity is a major global health challenge,” said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO. “Our new guidance recognizes that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive, lifelong care. While medications alone will not solve this global health crisis, GLP-1 therapies can help millions of people overcome obesity and reduce the associated harms..”
A complex disease
The WHO highlights that obesity is not simply the result of lifestyle choices, but a chronic and complex condition involving genetics, environment, biology and social circumstances.
It is a major contributor to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers, and can also worsen the outcomes of infectious diseases. For many people, losing weight and keeping it off is very challenging without medical support.
GLP-1 therapies work by mimicking a natural hormone that helps regulate appetite, blood sugar, and digestion.
For people with obesity, these medications can lead to significant weight loss and improvements in health.
The WHO added them to its List of Essential Medicines in 2025 to control type 2 diabetes in high-risk groups, and its new guidelines now recommend their long-term use for adults living with obesity. except during pregnancy.
The recommendation is conditional due to limited long-term safety data, uncertainty about maintaining weight loss once treatment is stopped, high costs, and significant concerns about unequal access between countries.
It is not a standalone solution
The WHO highlights that weight loss medications must be used in conjunction with other support.
The most effective treatment combines medication with healthier diets, increased physical activity, and long-term guidance from health professionals.
The organization highlights that obesity cannot be solved by individuals alone and requires broad action by governments and industry to create healthier food environments and ensure early intervention for those at risk.
Ensure access and security
Demand for GLP-1 drugs already far exceeds supply. Even with increased production, the WHO estimates that less than 10 percent of eligible people will have access by 2030.
It warns that without deliberate policies these treatments can widen existing health inequalities. The organization urges governments to consider tools such as pooled procurement, fair pricing and voluntary licensing to expand access.
WHO also warns about the increasing circulation of counterfeit or substandard GLP-1 products fueled by global shortages. It highlights the need for regulated supply chains, qualified prescribing and strict oversight to protect patients.
The guide was developed at the request of Member States and was based on scientific evidence, expert reviews and input from people living with obesity.
WHO plans to update recommendations as new evidence emerges and will work with partners in 2026 to ensure those with the most urgent needs are prioritized.
