The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its first-ever guidelines for using GLP-1 weight-loss drugs as part of a global strategy to combat the escalating obesity crisis, calling obesity a “chronic disease requiring lifetime care.”

• WHO also proposed manufacturing of generic versions of the drugs, pre-qualification to allow international organisations to purchase these medicines for various countries.

Key Guidelines Issued by WHO

• Conditional Endorsement for Adults: GLP-1 therapies may be used by adults (excluding pregnant women) for long-term obesity management, due to clear evidence of weight-loss and metabolic benefits.
• Integrated Treatment Approach: WHO stresses that GLP-1 drugs must be paired with intensive behavioural interventions, including diet modification and physical activity programmes, as part of comprehensive care.
• Equitable Access as a Priority: WHO cautions that rapid uptake without policies on pricing, access, and supply systems may increase global health inequalities.
  • Even with accelerated manufacturing, GLP-1 drugs will reach less than 10% of potential beneficiaries by 2030.

About GLP-1 Medicines

• GLP-1 receptor agonists are class of medications first developed for type-2 diabetes that mimic the natural hormone Glucagon-Like Peptide-1, which regulates appetite, satiety, and insulin function.
• They are already included in the WHO Essential Medicines List for diabetes management.
  • High costs, limited production capacity, and supply-chain were regarded as major barriers to universal access to these therapies. 
• How They Work:
  • They enhance insulin release and reduce blood glucose levels.
  • These drugs reduce appetite and slow stomach emptying, leading to lower calorie intake.
  • They improve metabolic markers, lowering the risk of heart disease and kidney complications.
  • Long-term use results in significant and sustained weight loss.
• Applications:
  • Type 2 Diabetes: To improve blood glucose control.
  • Obesity & Weight Loss: Increasingly used due to strong appetite-suppressing effects.
  • Cardiovascular Benefits: Some GLP-1 drugs reduce risk of heart attack and stroke in high-risk diabetics.

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