In a landmark move to confront one of the world’s fastest-growing health threats, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued its first guideline on the use of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) therapies for obesity. The decision comes at a critical time, with more than 1 billion people worldwide living with obesity and global deaths linked to the condition reaching 3.7 million in 2024.

Health experts warn that without urgent and coordinated action, the worldwide burden of obesity is set to double by 2030. In recognition of the mounting crisis, WHO added GLP-1 medicines to its Essential Medicines List in September 2025 for high-risk cases of type 2 diabetes. The newly released guideline now expands their use to support adults living with obesity, as part of a broader and sustained treatment approach that also includes healthy eating, physical activity and continuous medical supervision.

“Obesity is a major global health challenge that WHO is committed to addressing,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Our new guidance recognizes that obesity is a chronic disease that requires comprehensive and lifelong care. While medication alone won’t solve this crisis, GLP-1 therapies can help millions reduce obesity and its related harms.”

Obesity is increasingly understood as a complex medical condition rather than simply a lifestyle issue. It is a leading driver of noncommunicable diseases including heart disease, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers. It also worsens outcomes for patients with infectious diseases. Economists estimate that by 2030, the global cost of obesity could hit a staggering USD 3 trillion annually.

WHO’s guideline introduces two key conditional recommendations. First, GLP-1 therapies may be used for long-term obesity treatment in adults, except during pregnancy. The recommendation is conditional because evidence on long-term safety, cost and health-system readiness remains limited. Second, WHO recommends that individuals using GLP-1 therapies also receive structured behavioural support, including guidance on nutrition and physical activity. Research suggests that such interventions can strengthen treatment outcomes.

However, the organization stresses that medicines alone cannot reverse the obesity epidemic. Reducing global obesity rates requires major social and systemic changes—ranging from healthier food environments to early screening and lifelong, person-centred care.

A central concern highlighted in the guideline is equitable access. Without proper policies in place, WHO warns that GLP-1 therapies could widen existing health inequalities, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Despite rising demand, current production could reach fewer than 10% of those who need the medicines by 2030.

To prevent this gap from widening, WHO is urging the global community to explore solutions such as tiered pricing, pooled procurement and voluntary licensing to keep costs manageable and supply steady.The guideline was developed following extensive scientific review and consultations with global experts, governments and people with lived experience of obesity. It forms a core component of WHO’s broader plan to curb obesity worldwide.

Throughout 2026, WHO will work with partner countries and organizations to create a transparent and fair framework to ensure that individuals with the greatest medical need are prioritized. As new data emerges, the guideline will be continuously updated to keep pace with scientific progress.

With obesity rising at an unprecedented rate, WHO’s new guideline marks an important step toward evidence-based, equitable and lifelong care—aimed at supporting millions of people toward healthier futures.