WHO first guidelines for using GLP-1 to treat obesity

WHO recommends GLP-1 drugs for long-term obesity treatment for the first time, amid booming demand but limited access.

Obesity affects more than 1 billion people worldwide Photo: Freepik

On December 1, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued its first guidelines on the use of GLP-1 therapy to treat obesity. These are conditional recommendations for long-term use of GLP-1 for the disease that affects more than 1 billion people worldwide, according to Reuters.

In the new guidelines, the first recommendation suggests that adults, except pregnant women, should use GLP-1 long-term. The second recommendation emphasizes combining this therapy with a healthy diet and physical activity.

The move "recognises obesity as a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive, lifelong care," said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

However, he also warned that "medication alone will not solve this global health crisis".

The WHO's new guidance comes amid a surge in demand for GLP-1 drugs - including semaglutide, tirzepatide and liraglutide - around the world . Many countries are looking to integrate the therapy into their public health systems.

WHO warns that the biggest challenge today is accessibility. Although production is expanding, it is predicted that by 2030, GLP-1 will reach less than 10% of people in need.

The new guidelines only apply to adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more. The WHO said it would work with governments from 2026 to prioritize access for high-risk groups.

ANH THU

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/who-lan-dau-huong-dan-dung-glp-1-dieu-tri-beo-phi-2025120407575869.htm