Global Guidance on GLP-1 Obesity Treatments Issued by the WHO

In December 2025, the World Health Organisation (WHO) issued its first guidance on using Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 (GLP 1) therapies for treating obesity ¹.  The GLP-1 medications covered include liraglutide (Saxenda), semaglutide (Wegovy), and tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound in the US).

Obesity is a complex chronic disease and a major driver of non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and several cancers ².  Obesity impacts populations across all countries and globally there are approximately 2.1 billion adults who are overweight or have obesity.  It is forecast that this will substantially rise to around 3.2 billion by 2050 – accounting for almost 60% of the adult population ³.

In their report, two main WHO conditional recommendations are:

• • GLP-1 therapies may be used for long term obesity treatment in adults (excluding pregnant women).
  • Alongside GLP‑1 therapies, structured behavioural interventions—such as healthy eating and increased physical activity—may be offered.

The WHO stresses that obesity cannot be addressed effectively by medications alone.  Their conditional recommendations are part of a strategy that includes regular physical activity, healthy diets, and support from healthcare professionals.  Therefore, three strategic pillars are identified to help combat obesity, in conjunction with GLP-1 therapeutics, namely:

1. Strengthen population level policies to create healthier environments.
2. Protecting high risk individuals with targeted screening and early interventions.
3. Ensuring equitable access to lifelong, person centred care.

The WHO guidance also highlights major challenges including high costs, limited supply, and disparities in global access.  Even with rapid scale up in production, fewer than 10% of people who could benefit from GLP-1 therapies are expected to have access by 2030.

Countries are being urged to establish fair and affordable routes so those with the greatest medical need are prioritised.  The guideance urges global stakeholders to explore strategies such as pooled procurement, tiered pricing, and voluntary licensing to expand availability.

Throughout 2026, the WHO aims to collaborate with key stakeholders to develop a fair, transparent and prioritised framework so those with the greatest need receive treatment first.

• References
  1. World Health Organisation (2025) WHO issues global guideline on the use of GLP-1 medicines in treating obesity. https://www.who.int/news/item/01-12-2025-who-issues-global-guideline-on-the-use-of-glp-1-medicines-in-treating-obesity
  2. EUFIC (2024) Obesity: definition, causes and prevention strategies. https://www.eufic.org/en/healthy-living/article/obesity-definition-causes-and-prevention-strategies#:~:text=Obesity%20is%20a%20chronic%2C%20multifactorial%20disease%20characterised%20by%20excessive%20or,%2C%20physiology%2C%20and%20the%20environment.
  3. Kerr JA, Patton GC, Cini KI, et al. (2025) Global, regional, and national prevalence of child and adolescent overweight and obesity, 1990–2021, with forecasts to 2050: a forecasting study for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. The Lancet 405: 785.  DOI: 1016/S0140-6736(25)00397-6.