The UN World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued its first guideline on the use of a new class of weight-loss medicines, marking a significant shift in global health policy as obesity rates continue to rise.
The guidance focuses on GLP-1 therapies – medicines such as liraglutide, semaglutide and tirzepatide – and offers conditional recommendations on how they can be used safely as part of long-term treatment.
WHO, in a statement on Monday stated that more than one billion people worldwide livewith obesity, which was linked to 3.7 millideaths in 2024.
Without stronger action, WHO warns the number of people affected could double by 2030, placing immense pressure on health systems and pushing global economic losses to an estimated $3 trillion a year.
As the world’s foremost public health authority, WHO’s statement is expected to influence national policies, insurance coverage and clinical practice, particularly as demand for effective weight-loss treatments continues to surge.
“Obesity is a major global health challenge,” Tedros Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General said.
He added, “Our new guidance recognises that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong care.
“While medication alone won’t solve this global health crisis, GLP-1 therapies can help milions overcome obesity and reduce its associated harms.”
WHO stressed that obesity is not simply the result of lifestyle choices, but a complex, chronic condition involving genetics, environment, biology and social circumstances.
It is a major driver of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers, and can worsen outcomes for infectious diseases as well.
For many people, losing weight and keeping it off is extremely 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 medicines can lead to significant weight loss and health improvements.
WHO added them to its Essential Medicines List in 2025 for managing type 2 diabetes in high-risk groups, and its new guidelines now recommend their long-term use for adults living with obesity, except during pregrancy.
The recommendation is conditional due to limited long-term safety data, uncertainty about maintaining weight loss once treatment stops, high costs, and significant concerns about unequal access across countries.
WHO emphasised that weight-loss medicines must ne used alongside other support.
The most effective treatment combines medication with healthier diets, increased physical activity, and long-term guidance from health professionals.
The organisation highlighted that obesity cannot be resolved by individuals alone and requires broad action from governments and industry to create healthier food environments and ensure early intervention for those at risk.
Demand for GLP-1 medicines already far exceeds supply. Even with increased production, WHO estimates fewer than 10 per cent of eligible people will have access by 2030.
It warned that without deliberate policies these treatments may widen existing health inequalities.
The organisation urged governments to consider tools such as pooled procurement, fair pricing and voluntary licensing to expand access.
——Body Mass Index (BMI)——
Obesity is a complex medical condition characterized by excessive body fat that increases the risk of numerous health problems, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and sleep apnea. It is commonly diagnosed when a person’s body mass index (BMI) is 30 or higher, though it can also be evaluated through other measurements like waist circumference. Causes include a combination of genetics, diet, sedentary lifestyle, and environmental factors, while treatment typically involves a combination of diet, exercise, medication, and sometimes surgery.
Body mass index (BMI) is a tool that healthcare providers use to estimate the amount of body fat by using your height and weight measurements. It can help assess risk factors for certain health conditions. The BMI isn’t always an accurate representation of body fatness.
What is body mass index (BMI)?
Body mass index (BMI) is a medical screening tool that measures the ratio of your height to your weight to estimate the amount of body fat you have. Healthcare providers calculate BMI by using weight in kilograms (kg) divided by the square of height in meters (m2).
In most people, BMI correlates to body fat — the higher the number, the more body fat you may have — but it’s not accurate in some cases. BMI alone doesn’t diagnose health. Healthcare providers use BMI and other tools and tests to assess someone’s health status and risks.
High body fat may lead to heart disease, stroke and Type 2 diabetes. Low body fat may be related to malnutrition. Just the right amount of body fat helps vitamins and minerals get into your body. It also provides a source of energy for your body, helps maintain body temperature and protects your organs.
Diagnosing weight types with BMI
In general, the following BMI ranges (in kg/m2) classify different weight types:
Underweight: Less than 18.5
Optimum range: 18.5 to 24.9
Overweight: 25 to 29.9
Class I obesity: 30 to 34.9
Class II obesity: 35 to 39.9
Class III obesity: More than 40
Screening for health risks with BMI
If you have a BMI less than 18.5 (underweight), you may be at a higher risk for developing the following conditions:
Malnutrition
Anemia
Weakened immune system, which could lead to more frequent infections and illnesses
Osteoporosis
Infertility
NOTE THAT: The higher your BMI, the higher your risk for the following conditions:
Heart disease
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Type 2 diabetes
Gallstones
Osteoarthritis
Sleep apnea
Certain cancers, including colon, breast, endometrial and gallbladder
Depression and other mental health conditions.
