WHO endorses GLP-1 receptor agonists for obesity treatment, urges expanded access

SWITZERLAND— The World Health Organization has officially endorsed glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) for treating obesity, marking a significant shift in how the global health community approaches this widespread condition.

This recommendation represents the first official guidance issued by WHO specifically for using GLP-1 therapies in obesity treatment, though the organization previously added these medications to its essential medicines list for managing type 2 diabetes in high-risk groups in September 2025.

WHO emphasizes that GLP-1 therapies should form part of a comprehensive treatment strategy rather than serving as a standalone solution.

The organization recommends combining these medications with healthy diets, regular physical activity, and ongoing support from healthcare professionals to achieve optimal outcomes for patients struggling with obesity.

The guidance comes as more than one billion people worldwide currently live with obesity, a number projected to double by 2030 without decisive intervention.

Obesity contributed to 3.7 million deaths globally in 2024 and drives major noncommunicable diseases, including cardiovascular conditions, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.

Beyond its devastating health impacts, the economic burden of obesity is expected to reach USD 3 trillion annually by 2030.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasized the organization’s commitment to addressing this major global health challenge.

He acknowledged that while medication alone cannot solve the obesity crisis, GLP-1 therapies can help millions of people overcome obesity and reduce its associated health harms.

The new guidance recognizes obesity as a chronic disease requiring comprehensive and lifelong care.

The WHO guideline includes two conditional recommendations.

First, adults excluding pregnant women may use GLP-1 therapies for long-term obesity treatment, though this recommendation remains conditional due to limited data on long-term efficacy and safety, maintenance and discontinuation protocols, current costs, inadequate health system preparedness, and potential equity concerns.

Second, intensive behavioral interventions involving structured programs with healthy diet and physical activity components may enhance treatment outcomes for adults prescribed these therapies.

The GLP-1 therapy market has experienced explosive growth in recent years, with major pharmaceutical companies competing for market share.

Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk currently dominate the sector with tirzepatide and semaglutide respectively.

Lilly’s Zepbound generated USD3.6 billion in the third quarter of 2025 alone, representing a 185% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

Revenue from GLP-1 therapies helped Lilly become the first healthcare company globally to reach a USD 1 trillion market capitalization.

Pfizer has also entered the competition, acquiring biotech company Metsera for USD 10 billion in November 2025 to develop longer-lasting GLP-1 formulations.

Despite significant manufacturing investments by major producers, WHO warns that GLP-1 therapies are projected to reach fewer than 10% of those who could benefit by 2030 even with rapid production expansion.

The organization calls for urgent implementation of strategies to expand access, including pooled procurement, tiered pricing, and voluntary licensing arrangements.

WHO stresses that without deliberate policies, access to these therapies could worsen existing health disparities.

The guideline emphasizes that obesity requires more than individual-level interventions.

WHO advocates for a comprehensive three-pillar strategy: creating healthier environments through robust population-level policies, protecting high-risk individuals through targeted screening and early interventions, and ensuring access to lifelong person-centered care.

During 2026, the WHO plans to work with stakeholders to develop a transparent and equitable prioritization framework, ensuring those with the highest need receive treatment first.