WHO Warns: Obesity Crisis Needs More Than Medicines

The World Health Organisation has warned that medicines alone cannot resolve the global obesity crisis. Obesity now affects more than one billion people worldwide and contributes to millions of preventable deaths each year. In a new report released on Monday, the WHO stressed that Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) therapies offer support, but they are not a standalone solution.

WHO classifies obesity as a Body Mass Index of 30 or higher in adults. It recognises obesity as a chronic, relapsing disease and has approved GLP-1 receptor agonists as long-term treatment options.

These medicines help lower blood sugar, support weight loss, reduce cardiovascular and kidney risks, and decrease early mortality for patients with type 2 diabetes.

However, rising global demand for GLP-1 therapies has created a dangerous market for falsified and substandard products. WHO officials said these fake medicines threaten patient safety and weaken public trust.

To address this, the WHO released its first guideline on GLP-1 use for obesity management. It focuses on three agents: liraglutide, semaglutide and tirzepatide.

The guideline issues conditional recommendations for their use while emphasising that treatment must be part of a broader, long-term approach. This includes healthy diets, regular physical activity and continuous support from health professionals.

WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said obesity remains a major global challenge. He noted that the new guidance recognises obesity as a chronic disease requiring lifelong and comprehensive care. He added that GLP-1 therapies can help millions but cannot, by themselves, end the crisis.

Obesity drives major noncommunicable diseases, including cardiovascular conditions, type 2 diabetes and some cancers. It also worsens outcomes for infectious diseases. By 2030, the global economic burden of obesity is expected to reach $3 trillion annually.

WHO believes the new guidelines can help reduce these rising health and economic costs.

The recommendations state that adults, excluding pregnant women, may use GLP-1 therapies for long-term treatment. But they must also receive intensive behavioural interventions, including structured dietary plans and physical activity programs.

The report stresses that obesity is not just an individual issue. It is a societal challenge requiring multisectoral action.

WHO calls for healthier environments, strong population-level policies, targeted screening and early interventions. It also urges countries to ensure lifelong, person-centred care.

The guideline highlights the need for fair access to GLP-1 therapies. Without strong policies, the treatments could widen existing health inequalities.

WHO estimates fewer than 10% of eligible individuals will receive these medicines by 2030. It recommends strategies such as pooled procurement, tiered pricing and voluntary licensing to expand global access.

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